The website will enable the Commission directly engage with the public, both within and outside the country, ahead of the elections

By Aguok Chok

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Wednesday launched its official website to enhance its communication with the public. The website was developed with technical support from the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team.

In his remarks during the launch, Prof. Abednego Akok, the chairperson of the NEC highlighted the importance of the website in connecting the Commission with the world.

“We are happy as a commission because we have reached a stage where we can now have a connection with the world,” he said.

“With the launching of the website, we will be connected with the world, and they will follow up all that we are doing.”

Akok also expressed gratitude to the United Nations for its continuous support, emphasizing the organization’s role in helping the Commission prepare for the 2026 elections.

He acknowledged the recent retreat held in Kampala, Uganda, where critical issues connected to election preparation were discussed.

“All that we have discussed in Kampala should be read by interested citizens,” Prof. Akok said.

The website launch comes at a crucial time as the electoral timeline has been extended to 2026, giving the NEC more time to prepare for the elections.

However, the commission called on the media to actively follow and report on its activities as one of the stakeholders to the National Election Commission.

Gabriel Deng, the deputy chairperson of the NEC said the objective of the retreat held in Kampala was to identify key priorities for the conduct of elections come 2026.

He mentioned that three critical regulations were adopted by the commission, including the Code of Conduct, media observers, political party representatives’ regulations, and campaign guidelines.

He said those regulations aim to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Deng outlined the importance of finalizing an operational timeline, reviewing the legal framework, and engaging the government on key political decisions, such as the population data required for registration and constituency delimitation.

“We need a key decision on that in order to conduct elections in 2026,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, George Lemi Yata, the NEC spokesperson highlighted on the role of the media in ensuring the public is well-informed about the elections.

 “Clear, credible, factual, and timely communications with the public is a cornerstone of the electoral process,” he said.

He urged the media to utilize the new website for important updates and resources related to the electoral process.

“This website is part of a broader media and communication approach by the commission,” Yata added.

“With the launching of the website, we will be connected with the world, and they will follow up all that we are doing,” Prof. Abednego Akok, the chairperson of the NEC.