A delegation from the National Elections Commission, led by Fabu Abac Ajang, the Commission’s Civic and Voting Education officer, arrived in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr el Ghazal, on Monday evening.
On Tuesday, the delegation met with government ministers from Western Bahr el Ghazal State, led by Governor Sarah Cleto Rial. They will also meet with state legislators to discuss the purpose of their visit.
Speaking to the press after the meeting with state officials at the State Council of Ministers, Fabu Abac Ajang, the head of the team, stated that their visit aims to establish the office of the High Elections Commission and form the State High Commission body.
“The purpose of the visit is twofold: to form the State High Commission and to establish the office in the state. That’s why we are here,” said Ajang. She called on all political parties to prepare for the upcoming proposed elections scheduled for 2024.
Ajang mentioned that despite the commission’s challenges in establishing its office in Wau, their meeting with the state governor, Sarah Cleto, provided assurance of a possible commission premise in Wau town. “We were facing challenges regarding office space, but now the state governor has promised to provide us with one,” she stated.
Ajang also assured the entire population of Western Bahr el Ghazal state regarding the possibility of elections next year. “To the community, I want to convey that elections are scheduled for 2024. Although we haven’t finalised the calendar yet, it will be released soon,” she emphasized.
Ajang highlighted the commission’s commitment to conducting civic education on public rights regarding electoral readiness in the registration and voting process. “We aim to educate people about their rights, how to prepare for the upcoming elections, and how to cast their votes through civic education,” she explained.
In response, Western Bahr el Ghazal State Information Minister Nicola Samuel welcomed the visit of the high commission team to the state. “The delegation briefed the council of ministers about the process and activities of the National Elections Commission. We are pleased to host the team from Juba and emphasize that the elections are approaching. We urge the citizens of Western Bahr el Ghazal State to support the government in the upcoming elections,” said Samuel.
The minister also emphasized the need for free, fair, and credible elections in Western Bahr el Ghazal State. He stated that the state government will implement civic education programs across the state to ensure that citizens are well-informed about the voting process.
“We, as the government, will soon initiate peace education and civic education to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure fair elections,” he added.
Nicola urged the people of Western Bahr el Ghazal State to apply for vacancies available at the national election commission office in the state.