By Deng Ghai Deng
More than 60 prosecutors and police investigators from across South Sudan convened in Juba on October 16-17 for a crucial workshop aimed at enhancing their roles in preventing and addressing electoral offences.
Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) and in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), the workshop received support from the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT).
Dr. Gabriel Isaac Awow, Undersecretary of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA, said the workshop aimed to empower electoral stakeholders with the skills needed to respond effectively to potential violations of election rules, thereby safeguarding the electoral process’s integrity.
“Ensuring the integrity of elections in South Sudan is a cornerstone of our democracy. This workshop equips prosecutors and police investigators with the expertise to detect, prevent, and respond to electoral offences, crucial for maintaining public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
Darren Nance, UNMISS Principal Electoral Affairs Officer said the role of prosecutors and police investigators in addressing electoral offences is essential to mitigate the risk of electoral violence stemming from disputes.
“This initiative is an important step in strengthening the rule of law as related to the electoral process. By equipping justice system actors with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are fostering a credible electoral process essential for sustaining democratic governance and long-term peace,” Nance said.
Looking ahead, another workshop is scheduled to take place in Wau in November 2024, underscoring the ongoing commitment to enhancing the electoral framework in South Sudan.
The IEAT comprises various UN entities, including UNMISS, UNDP, UNPOL, UN Women, and UNESCO, dedicated to providing technical assistance to the National Election Commission and other electoral stakeholders.
The event focused on boosting knowledge of the electoral framework and providing technical inputs to the justice system with the title “Electoral Legal Framework: The Role of Prosecutors and Police Investigators in Preventing and Addressing Electoral Offenses,”