By William Madouk
Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC), Professor Abednego Akok, has cautioned members of the State High Election Committee against engaging in political activities.
Speaking during the opening of a four-day induction workshop for committee members, Prof. Akok said as technocrats, members should focus on their responsibilities and leave politics to the politicians.
“We want to be prepared and stand firm before God and law. For the law, don’t stand with anybody. You have taken an oath and that is enough. It is guiding you,” Prof. Abednego Akok said.
“That is why the election commission is independent, leave politics to others but do your technical part of it, that is why you are being given this training capacity building,” he added.
He stressed the importance of diligence in their work to ensure that the NEC will not be caught “unaware,” as it was during the September extension.
“I am serious about doing my job and I want you to be serious in doing your job,” he advised.
Prof. Akok revealed that he had received a report from the chairperson of Northern Bahr el Ghazel election commission on the figures of constituencies, voter registration and polling centres.
He instructed other state election commission bosses to work on their reports and submit them to the head office.
“Please go now, and revise your polling station, your voter and registration centers and constituencies,” he directed.
“We make this to be ready and then the decision will be taken by the politicians, but we are technical people,” Akok continued.
Besides, he called on EC members to make use of the knowledge that they would acquire from training.
Darren S. Nance, chair of the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team in South Sudan, stated that the role of the State High Election Commission is important for bridging the gap between the national and the grassroots.
“The role of the state High Election Committees is crucial to the electoral process, as they will be responsible for implementing the electoral process and building trust at the local levels across the country,” said Nance.
“We hope that this initial training will begin to spearhead their initiatives at the state level, beginning with setting up their offices and engagement with civil society and political parties,” he added.
The event was organized by NEC with support from the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance team – to introduce key foundational concept and principles of effective electoral management.