CEPO Trains Stakeholders in Lakes State on Civic Education Ahead of Elections

By Anak Dut Malual

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Thursday launched a three-day civic education and elections workshop in Rumbek, Lakes State, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen public understanding of citizens’ rights and participation in the electoral process.

The workshop brought together more than 30 participants from political parties, the State High Electoral Commission, youth and women’s groups, persons with special needs and the members of the media.

Speaking during opening ceremony in Rumbek on Thursday, CEPO Project Officer, Khamis Cosmas said the workshop aims to raise awareness among participants about civil rights and strengthen their ability to advocate for those rights.

“The particular attention is being given to women and young people, who need to have a better understanding of their rights and how they can participate in civic and electoral processes,” Cosmas said.

He said participants will be equipped with information on citizens’ rights, electoral participation, voting procedures, and election protocols.

“Equipping communities with civic and electoral knowledge is important in enabling them to understand their responsibilities and engage more meaningfully in democratic processes.”

Cosmas said the training also provides them with an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen their understanding of their respective roles during the electoral period.

For his party, the Deputy Chairperson of the State High Electoral Commission, Ezekiel Thiang Mangar, said the workshop would strengthen participants’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities ahead of the upcoming elections.

“The citizens’ rights are guaranteed by the Constitution. I am urging the political parties and other stakeholders to exercise those rights responsibly,” Mangar said.

 “I call on political parties to mobilize citizens to participate responsibly and constructively in the electoral process.”

Mangar stressed the importance of citizens understanding their rights to enable them to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in elections.

Mangar urged journalists to provide accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting on electoral issues, saying reliable information is important in helping citizens understand the electoral process.

“The media has a responsibility to ensure that information reaching the public is accurate and does not create confusion during the electoral period.”

Meanwhile, The RRC Director for Administration and Finance, James Marirer Gong, urged participants to pay close attention during the training and make effective use of the knowledge and skills they gain.

“Understanding citizens’ rights is essential for enabling people to make informed choices when elections are held,” Marirer said.

Marirer urged participants to take the lessons from the workshop back to their respective communities and use the knowledge to contribute to greater public awareness.

The workshop aimed to create a platform for discussions on civil rights, electoral participation, and the responsibilities of citizens and institutions.

The training is expected to enhance participants’ understanding of electoral procedures and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

For women and youth in particular, the workshop provides an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of civic rights and their role in public affairs.

Political parties are also expected to benefit from the training by gaining a clearer understanding of their responsibilities in mobilizing citizens and participating in the electoral process.