Budget Delays Threaten Election Preparations in Lakes State Ahead of Voter Registration

By Anak Dut Malual

Financial constraints and logistical challenges are threatening to slow down election preparations in Lakes State, with the state election commission awaiting budget approval to deploy returning officers, distribute election materials and facilitate further training ahead of voter registration.

The concerns were raised during the closing ceremony of a two-day training for returning officers organised by the Lakes State High Electoral Commission on November 7 and 8.

Prof. Khot Kuocnin Kuer, Chairperson of the Lakes State High Electoral Commission, said the geographical distances between counties and the costs of transporting election personnel and materials required adequate funding to ensure the effective implementation of planned activities.

He said the commission was awaiting approval of its operational budget before facilitating the deployment of returning officers to their respective counties and organising further training for local election staff.

Prof. Khot further explained that the officers would be responsible for coordinating the collection and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, as well as mobilising local personnel ahead of voter registration.

He expressed confidence in the newly trained officers, urging them to demonstrate professionalism, commitment and cooperation in carrying out their responsibilities.

He also instructed returning officers not to independently alter the lists of recruited enumerators, advising them to report any concerns to the commission for coordinated review.

Meanwhile, John Tongdit Chawul, an Assistant Returning Officer from Cueibet County, welcomed the inclusion of persons with disabilities in election administration but called for additional support to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

Chawul described his appointment as an important step towards promoting equal participation and representation of persons with disabilities in South Sudan’s electoral process.

“I really appreciate the Lakes State High Election Commission for including people living with disabilities, especially myself as an assistant,” he said.

However, he identified mobility as a major challenge, explaining that election officials with disabilities would need assistance to access registration centres and polling stations in their respective areas.

He said he had travelled to the training venue using his own transport without special assistance and urged election authorities to provide appropriate mobility support.

Chawul also called on the National Elections Commission and state authorities to ensure that registration centres and election offices are accessible to persons with disabilities.

“Disability is not inability. We are all the same, and whatever knowledge we gain is the same as that of people without disabilities,” he said.

He encouraged other persons with disabilities to apply for available opportunities and compete for professional and leadership positions.

He further appealed for greater representation of persons with disabilities in election leadership structures, including at the national level.

The training concluded on November 8, as the commission continued preparations for the planned voter registration exercise.

During the closing remarks, November 11 or 12 was mentioned as a possible date for the launch of voter registration, subject to confirmation by the relevant authorities.