By Deng Ghai Deng
More than 50 prosecutors and police investigators from Western Bahr El Ghazal, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Warrap, and Lakes states gathered in Wau for a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing their understanding of South Sudan’s electoral framework and improving their ability to respond to electoral offenses.
Held from November 20-21, the workshop was titled “Electoral Legal Framework: The Role of Prosecutors and Police Investigators in Preventing and Addressing Electoral Offenses.”
The session was organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA), in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), with support from the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT).
The event’s primary goal was to build institutional capacity and offer actionable recommendations to strengthen responses to potential violations of electoral laws.
Dr. Gabriel Isaac Awow, Undersecretary of MoJCA, emphasized the importance of the workshop, stating, “Ensuring the integrity of elections in South Sudan is a cornerstone of our democracy. This workshop equips prosecutors and police investigators with the expertise needed to detect, prevent, and respond to electoral offenses, which is essential for maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.”
As South Sudan moves toward future elections, the role of prosecutors and police investigators has become increasingly vital in preventing disputes from escalating into violence.
Their ability to uphold the law and manage electoral offenses effectively is crucial to maintaining the peace.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also underlined the significance of this initiative.
Sam Muhumure, Head of the UNMISS Wau Field Office, stated, “This workshop is vital in strengthening the rule of law in the electoral process. It directly supports the UNMISS mandate to foster an enabling environment for free, fair, and peaceful elections in South Sudan. By equipping law enforcement personnel with the tools to do their jobs effectively, we are contributing to a more credible electoral system, which is essential for sustaining democracy and long-term peace in the country.”
The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the legal framework surrounding elections, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to prevent electoral-related violence and ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections.