Head of electoral commission forms state electoral high committees

JUBA – The head of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) Abednego Akok Kacuol on Wednesday established high electoral committees for the country’s ten states.

Speaking to reporters, Abednego announced the formation of the committees, excluding the three administrative areas of Greater Pibor, Ruweng, and the disputed region of Abyei.

He appointed George Kuong Gattang as the chairperson of the high elections committee in Unity State, Peter Mayom as chairperson in Upper Nile State, Tuor Majok as chairperson in Lakes State, and Jacob Anei as chairperson in Warrap State.

Arkangelo Udo was named head of the electoral committee in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Joseph Akuei Yak in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and Abdallah Hassan in Eastern Equatoria State. Simon Bakama Monday was appointed head of the electoral committee in Western Equatoria, and Alphayo Philip was named head of the electoral committee in Central Equatoria State.

South Sudan plans to hold elections in December this year, but this possibility seems unlikely.

The revitalized peace agreement signed by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar has not yet been fully implemented.

Additionally, ongoing peace talks in neighboring Kenya involve non-signatory opposition groups and the government, which could extend the transitional period if a peace deal is reached.

When asked about the formation of similar committees for the three administrative areas, Abednego said, “The commission is working on identifying candidates and will soon announce the names.”