Lakes State Trains Over 30 Election Officials, Warns Against Political Interference

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

The Lakes State High Electoral Commission has trained 35 election officials, including returning officers and their assistants, on voter registration procedures as preparations for the upcoming general elections gather pace.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, Prof. Khot Kuocnin Kuer, chairperson of the Lakes State High Electoral Commission, said the two-day training aimed to equip election officials with the necessary skills to effectively conduct and oversee voter registration in their respective counties and constituencies.

He urged the participants to demonstrate commitment, professionalism and integrity in carrying out their responsibilities to help ensure free and fair elections.

Kuer also disclosed that the state commission had received election materials from the National Elections Commission (NEC), including voter registration manuals and T-shirts, while additional materials were expected to arrive at the state headquarters.

He said the trained officials would be deployed to their respective counties to share the knowledge and skills acquired during the training and facilitate the voter registration process.

Meanwhile, Daniel Laat Kon, chairperson of the State Civil Society Organisations Network, urged returning officers and other election officials to uphold electoral ethics, neutrality, transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process.

He cautioned the officials against political interference and urged them not to associate themselves with any political party or gubernatorial aspirant while performing their duties.

Kon also warned that the election period could expose officials to attempts at bribery and political influence, stressing that maintaining integrity would be essential to protecting the credibility of the electoral process.

Abraham Gop Achien, a senior official of the Lakes State High Electoral Commission, said approximately 1,890 election personnel would be involved in the electoral process across 270 voting centres in the state.

He added that 16 returning officers would lead election activities in the counties, including coordinating voter registration and ensuring that the process was properly organised.