Juba, 6 October 2026 – National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Hon. Gabriel Bol Deng has called for closer cooperation with religious leaders to promote civic education and peaceful participation in South Sudan’s electoral process.
Bol Deng made the appeal during a courtesy meeting with His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdalla Barang Rwal at the premises of the Islamic Council of South Sudan on Tuesday. The discussion focused on the role of religious institutions in preparing citizens for elections and preventing electoral violence.
The NEC Chairperson said the Commission could not fulfil its national responsibility alone and needed the participation of religious institutions and other sectors of society.
He described religious leaders as important pillars of society whose influence could help citizens understand their electoral rights and make informed choices. He also acknowledged their contribution to guiding communities throughout South Sudan’s historical struggle and after independence.
Bol said democratic governance should give citizens a meaningful voice in choosing their leaders. He appealed to the Islamic Council to support civic and voter education, particularly as citizens prepare for voter registration.
His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdalla Barang Rwal welcomed the engagement and expressed the Council’s readiness to cooperate with NEC.
He emphasized that elections belonged to the people and offered citizens an opportunity to choose leaders who would serve them and respond to their needs, including access to water, health services and education.
The religious leader called for an electoral environment free from violence, hatred and incitement. He stressed that elections should contribute to peace and highlighted the role of religious leaders in mediating political dialogue.
The Council indicated that Friday Mosque messages would be used to encourage peaceful electoral participation and explain how citizens could take part without conflict. It also expressed willingness to support the process through community guidance, cooperation and prayer.
“Election is a journey. And a journey needs contribution of everybody,” said Gabriel Bol Deng, calling for cooperation to prepare citizens for a peaceful, credible and democratic election.
“The elections are the right of the people,” said His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdalla Barang Rwal. “So we are ready to work with you.”
The discussion emphasized citizens’ right to choose their leaders and the need for elections free from violence, hatred and incitement.
The meeting concluded with both institutions expressing willingness to maintain dialogue and cooperation. Bol thanked the Islamic Council for receiving him and supporting efforts to prepare citizens for peaceful democratic participation.
