CEPO Welcomes New Leadership and Members of National Elections Commission with Open Arms
By Majur Chol Khor
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has expressed its satisfaction with the recent announcement regarding the swearing-in of the new leadership and members of the reconstituted National Elections Commission (NEC). The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 8th, 2024.
CEPO has been consistently advocating for the reconstitution of the NEC, and this announcement is seen as a positive and timely response to their efforts.
The official information was conveyed in a letter dated January 5th, 2024, by the office of the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, who also serves as the Secretary-General for the High-Level Outstanding Committee for the Implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO, expressed his satisfaction with the upcoming swearing-in ceremony. He emphasized that it is a long-awaited task that will pave the way for effective civic engagement in the lead-up to the national general elections, expected to be held in December 2024.
Mr. Yakani stressed the importance of promptly allocating adequate financing to the newly constituted NEC, as it would be meaningless to swear in the leadership and members without providing them with the necessary funds to carry out their tasks.
He called on the incumbent political leadership at all levels of the government to demonstrate their commitment to the electoral process. Mr. Yakani highlighted that elections are not just events but a comprehensive process that requires genuine political commitment and will.
He emphasized the need for an inclusive, credible, free, fair, and peaceful electoral environment, without any political or civic restrictions on legitimate actors.
He urged political maturity and discipline to instill public trust and confidence in the forthcoming national elections.
CEPO announced its intention to engage the public effectively in the expected electoral process. This will involve raising awareness and fostering dialogue to ensure a democratic and transparent election.
