NEC hands over first batch of voter registration materials to Central Equatoria State

Electoral body’s chair traces the country’s democratic aspirations to the sacrifices of the 1955 generation, saying voter registration provides an opportunity for citizens to participate in shaping the future of their nation.

By Samuel Yuang

The National Elections Commission (NEC), Hon. Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, guides the media and stakeholders through details of the voter registration book during the official handover of the materials in Juba on Monday, November 2, 2026. [Photo: Courtesy]

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has handed over the first batch of voter registration materials to the Central Equatoria State High-Level Elections Committee, marking a significant step towards South Sudan’s anticipated electoral process.

The materials delivered include 5,000 voter registration forms, 432 lamination machines and 3,024 reflector jackets to support the voter registration exercise in the state.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, NEC Chairperson Hon. Gabriel Bol Deng Majok described the delivery as an important milestone in the country’s journey towards democratic governance and the exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights.

He said the development represents another chapter in South Sudan’s long struggle for freedom, self-determination, human dignity and the right of citizens to determine their own future.

Bol traced the country’s democratic aspirations to the sacrifices of the 1955 generation, which led the country to independence on July 9, 2011, saying voter registration provides an opportunity for citizens to participate in shaping the future of their nation.

He emphasized that the registration exercise is not merely an administrative process but a fundamental step towards ensuring that every eligible South Sudanese citizen has an opportunity to participate in choosing the country’s leadership.

Explaining the registration materials, the NEC chairperson said each registration book has the capacity to accommodate 100 eligible voters, whose personal details will be recorded before they receive their voter registration cards.

Lamination machines. NEC says the machines will laminate the registration cards to protect them from damage.

He described the registration card as an important document symbolizing citizens’ constitutional and democratic rights, urging eligible voters to keep it safely because it will be presented to electoral officials during the voting process.

Bol further explained that the cards would undergo a protective lamination process to safeguard them against rain and other potential damage.

The registration card, he explained, would serve as the identification document presented by voters at polling centres before receiving ballot papers to cast their votes for candidates contesting various elected positions, including the presidency and governorship.

The NEC chairperson encouraged citizens to recognize the power of their votes, noting that elections provide an opportunity for people to choose leaders who can address their needs, including schools, hospitals, good roads, food security and improved business opportunities.

However, he cautioned that the credibility of the electoral process would depend on transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, adequate civic education and public trust.

He called on political parties, political stakeholders, civil society organizations and relevant institutions to work together to ensure that the electoral process is peaceful, credible and accessible to all eligible citizens, particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities and communities in remote areas.

Bol also urged the media to play its watchdog role by reporting accurately, honestly and objectively, while calling on civil society organizations to hold the National Elections Commission accountable whenever there are concerns about violations of electoral laws.

He assured the public that the Commission would remain committed to operating within the law and welcomed scrutiny from civil society and other stakeholders.

“Election is the responsibility of every citizen,” Bol emphasized, describing the handover as a historic moment for South Sudan and the people of Central Equatoria State.

He concluded by expressing hope that the voter registration process would strengthen public confidence, encourage peaceful participation and contribute to building a democratic nation where the voices of citizens determine the country’s future.

Speed up the process; 49 days to go- CEPO

Members of the civil society and other representatives at the handover ceremony.

Witnessing the handover were representatives of various bodies, including the civil society groups. Speaking during the ceremony, civil society leader and Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani commended the Commission for delivery the ‘first phase’ of election materials, and challenged the body to speed up the process to meet the fast approaching polls deadline.

“This is phase one of delivery of the election voter registration materials by NEC to the Central Equatorial State High Level Elections Committee. This is impressive,” he said, urging the commission to speed up the process to complete pending tasks.

“We hope that with the time left, the leadership of the National Election Commission will undertake this exercise seriously and ensure all these materials are delivered to all states and three administrative areas, as well as the centers,” the activist said.

Last week, the electoral commission secured support from the African Union following a brief of its progress to the continental body. AU revealed that it was in the process of dispatching election experts to the country to aid in the electoral process.

During a meeting with the caretaker Minister of Cabinet Affairs Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth, NEC Chairperson Bol Deng assured the minister that the Commission has so far recorded milestones on civic and voter education, voter registration materials, establishment of offices, recruitment of electoral personnel, and harmonisation of the electoral legal framework.

He, however, urged for domestic election funding and resources to address operational gaps, and implement pending activities as the deadline for polls fast approaches.

Utilities

“We hope that with the time left, the leadership of the National Election Commission will undertake this exercise seriously and ensure all these materials are delivered to all states and three administrative areas, as well as the registration centers.”- Edmund Yakani, activist.