By Philip Buda Ladu
National Election Commission (NEC) reiterates to declare definite election calendar by July 2024, as dictated by the law.
Professor Abednego Akok Hachuol told No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that despite uncertainties, NEC is supposed to announce a date at least six months before holding elections.
He also cited a provision in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, stating that during the transitional period, when it remains two months, elections must be conducted.
“These are the issues guiding us now,” Akok stressed.
The NEC boss, however, underscores issues of resources to conduct the December polls, which looks unlikely, based on the level of preparedness, pending tasks, and party consensus to create an enabling environment for free and fair exercise.
“Well, we are not concerned about resources; the issue of funds is the responsibility of the nation, so it is up to the nation to provide us with funds; if they don’t, then we don’t know what to do,” he said.
Prof. Akok, however, noted that he cannot decide alone on the election matter, saying there are certain issues that need to be shared.
“One example is the election calendar, which I submitted in March to the leadership of the nation for him and other political partners to discuss. Up until now, they haven’t taken any decisions, and that’s why I met them yesterday and discussed it with them,” he told this outlet.
The NEC chairperson insists that even if the parties to the R-ARCSS have not reached consensus on the conduct of elections, he will definitely unveil the election date.
“What I am saying is what is in the National Elections Act; the act says that when it is left six months until elections, the election date must be declared by the commission, so it’s nearing July, then we are left with six months, so it must be declared in July,” Akok reiterated.
The NEC boss announced this week that they have established high-level committees at the state and three administrative area levels to kick-start the voter registration process.
According to Akok, the committees comprise five members each and have undergone the necessary training to carry out their duties in line with the law.
He added that voter registration will start in July. This is the second time NEC is announcing commencement of voter registration, the first being scheduled supposed for this month.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has always reiterated his position to run for office in the December polls but also called for dialogue among parties to the revitalized agreement in order to reach consensus on sticking issues to ensure conduct of free and fair elections.