JUBA – South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Gen. Mangar Buong, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the elections, despite resource constraints.
“We are already working with partners to build capacity and equip our forces, and our police are prepared to protect citizens and ensure the elections are peaceful,” Buong said during a high-level electoral stakeholders’ meeting in Juba on Thursday.
He stated that the police have identified units for specialized training and deployment but acknowledged that equipment and communication tools, such as radios, remain in short supply.
“There are challenges, yes, but we are taking observations seriously. We are ready to present our needs to help the NEC carry out its mandate.”
He further noted that delays in elections have prolonged the interim period and fueled public frustration.
“Our citizens are tired of the interim period. They want to elect their representatives, and this transitional limbo fuels instability. It’s time to let the people choose.”
The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol, stated that elections are a matter of national ownership and require coordination from the national to local levels, backed by adequate funding and commitment from all arms of government.
“Election infrastructure is very important, especially security. In India, I saw how well-organized it was. Security was present not to intimidate, but to maintain public trust in the process.”
He added that security forces must be involved from the beginning of voter registration until the announcement of results to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
