The deputy chairperson of the election commission has appealed to the political parties not to interfere with the work of the electoral board as the preparations for elections begins.
Speaking at their reception on Monday after swearing-in, Gabriel Gabriel Deng said the independence of the commission must start with its members in order to deliver credible elections to the people of South Sudan.
“Election is the serious undertaking and the hope of the people of South Sudan lies in this commission and for this commission to meet the aspiration of the people of South Sudan, it has to be independent and for it to be independent, it starts with us,” Gabriel said.
“We have to see ourselves as members of commission not representing parties. We have been nominated and appointed by the parties through the parties, but we don’t represent them.”
Gabriel appeal to parties to lay off their hands from the work of the commission and allow the people of South Sudan be the judges of the work of the commission.
“To political parties, though you nominated us; we appeal to you not to interfere in our work. Allow us to do our work and let the people of South Sudan be the judges,” he said. “We are here to work for the people of South Sudan through the constitution, the election act and the regulations.”
The chairperson of the commission, Prof. Abednego Akok declared the holding of elections in December this year citing that the commission priority as the start preparation is civic education, voters’ registration followed by voting -a process which he said will require urgent funding form the government to run it smoothly.
“Our priority right now is to embark on civic education. Tell the masses all over South Sudan that election is being conducted,” Akok said. “After they are told this, we will come for registration everywhere. From 18-years above, will be registered anywhere they are in.”
The nine commissioners were sworn-in to the office on Monday to commence the preparation for the first ever general elections since the country gained its independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011.
With only a few months to the elections, South Sudan is yet to register political parties, candidates and work on geographical constituencies.
