Election Commission dispatches materials to WBGS for poll preparations
The states’ High Election Commissioner chair said two of their staff members are undergoing training in Juba before returning to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) programs in the state
By The City Review reporter
The National Elections Commission has delivered election assets, including a Land Cruiser Hardtop vehicle, to Western Bahr el-Ghazal state as preparations begin for the December 2026 polls.
Speaking to the media, Arkangelo Udo Agany, the chairperson of Western Bhar el Ghazal state High Electoral Commission said the office had received training materials, furniture, and a solar panel system from the National Electoral Commission and the Community Aid Relief and Development Organization (CARDO).
Agany confirmed that his staff had thus far been trained on various essentials around elections in Japan and Uganda. The training was then followed by establishment of electoral offices in the states.
“There was no single state election office, but now we have [one]. We are currently seeking other needs from our partners, including CARDO. We have received some equipment, and they are right now working on arrangements,” Arkanelo told Radio Tamazzuj.
He added that two of their staff members are undergoing training in Juba before returning to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) programs in the state.
He highlighted financial challenges, that funding remains a critical hurdle to facilitating their programs. He, however, assured the public that elections would proceed as planned, with voter awareness campaigns set to begin next month.
Last year (2024), the country’s presidency postponed elections which were to be held in December that year for two more years, to December 2026 to allow more time to implement the pending protocols under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
The delay was to allow the South Sudanese government to address crucial prerequisites for a successful election, including conducting a comprehensive constitutional review, establishing election laws, and completing a national census. The steps are essential for laying a solid foundation for a stable and democratic electoral process.
In August last year, Hon. Arkangelo decried delays in budget by the national polls commission to the state. He said the state was prepared to commence voter registration, but the process was slowed down due to the absence of funds.
