By Nakwam Rose
National Election Commission (NEC) has officially inaugurated Central Equatoria State High Elections Office at Buluk, Juba, ahead of the 2026 polls.
Speaking during the ceremony, on Thursday, Paulino Lukudu Obede, acting Governor of CES, emphasized that the establishment of the electoral office in Juba is a crucial step towards enhancing inclusivity.
He said that the move expands civic engagement, and empowers the State High Electoral Committee to begin early preparations for the anticipated general elections.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC) to ensure that elections are conducted in a timely, credible, and peaceful manner.
Lukudu described the new facility as a significant milestone in strengthening democratic institutions and consolidating peace across the State.
“The presence of this office will significantly enhance coordination, transparency, and information dissemination to citizens across Central Equatoria State. Your duty is to guarantee that elections genuinely reflect the will of the people,” Lukudu stated.
Prof. Abednego Akok, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, expressed the Commission’s full readiness to deliver free, fair, and transparent elections. He extended his gratitude to the Central Equatoria State Government for allocating the land for the office’s construction, calling it a demonstration of shared commitment to democratic processes.
“The opening of this office in Central Equatoria State signals the NEC’s determination to meet its constitutional mandate and uphold democratic governance,” Prof. Akok noted.
Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee, who officiated as Chief Guest, praised the NEC for its efforts in building and renovating the facility.
He urged the Commission to work diligently toward successful elections and reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
The construction of the electoral office was made possible through the collaborative support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other international partners.
This initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity and foster a conducive environment for credible elections.
Darren Nance, Head of the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (UN IEAT), underscored the critical importance of elections in any democratic society and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting the electoral commission in South Sudan.
Nance highlighted the new facility as a vital access point for stakeholders and a symbol of South Sudan’s journey toward its first democratic elections as an independent nation.
“The UN, alongside its agencies and in coordination with the African Union, IGAD, and RJMEC, stands firmly with the people of South Sudan in supporting the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the realization of credible elections,” said Nance.
This electoral development marks a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s democratic progress and reaffirms the NEC’s commitment to inclusive, participatory governance across all states in South Sudan.