Voter Registration Set to Begin as NEC Approves Registration Books

By Awan Achiek

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has cleared a major hurdle for South Sudan’s December elections by approving the registration books to be used for voter enrollment across the country. Printing is expected to begin this week.

Newly appointed NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng announced the development on Tuesday at a press conference in Juba, stating that voter registration will commence once the books are printed and distributed to registration centers nationwide.

“I am happy to report to the people of South Sudan and you, our wonderful media, that the board has approved the Registration Form,” Deng said.

This approval paves the way for the commission to proceed with the voter-registration phase of preparations for the December elections.

Deng reiterated that printing of the registration books is expected to begin this week following the approval of the registration materials.

He clarified that distribution would not be delayed until all registration books are printed.

“So we have already approved. This week we will print it. We’ll put it into printing even tomorrow,” Deng said.

“We will put it into printing, and then when there are enough voters and when there are enough registration books, we will not wait for all of them.”

He emphasized their efforts to ensure sufficient registration materials are available before the exercise begins.

“We at least need a chunk of them so that we start distributing to the voter center. We have already done our assessment of the registration center,” he said.

“Now we know them; we are going to publish them. And then while we are printing, for a good number of registration books, we’ll put them across the country. And then now we set the date so that registration can begin.”

Deng explained that the registration book contains voter information and registration cards, which will be issued to citizens upon completion of the registration process.

“We have our logo. So this is the symbol of the National Election Commission. And then this is your card, and the card is within the registration book,” Deng said.

He further explained that each registration book will carry a serial number, and individual registration cards will also have unique serial numbers to help identify registered voters.

“So now, Republic of South Sudan, and then you have the states, and you have the counties; they must have the numbers. Then you have the geographical number where you will vote, then the registration center,” he said.

“So, this is what is called a registration book. Within the registration book, again, let me point this out. Here, we have a book number. Each book must have a serial number. And then now, registration card, serial number.”

He disclosed that the voter registration form also includes details such as the county, geographical area, registration center, and other information required during the registration process.

He stated that registered voters would receive registration cards, which they must keep safely and present on election day for verification.

Deng noted that election workers would use the information on the card, including the voter’s name and serial number, to verify the voter before they are allowed to cast a ballot.