Stakeholders trained on education and electoral preparedness in Yei

By Correspondent

In an effort to strengthen awareness on elections and preparedness in the run-up to the much-anticipated exercise this year, thirty stakeholders from various sectors and organizations, including representatives of civil society, youth groups, women and persons with disabilities, participated in a one-day civic education and electoral preparedness training in Yei River County on Wednesday.

The training was supported by the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team with an aim to enhance public understanding of electoral processes and deepen their understanding ahead of the polls.

According to one of the participants, among the key objectives of the training is to strengthen communities’ understanding of civic responsibility and political participation.

The participants welcomed the initiative, saying it is a timely effort to equip citizens with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions ahead of the elections.

“Citizens need to understand their rights and how they can engage in the electoral process. They must recognize that electing leaders is their responsibility and that everyone should participate fully and inclusively,” said Modi Arkangelo, chairperson of the Civil Society Forum and a co-facilitator of the training.

Alice Siama, chairperson of the Women’s Association in Yei River County, said civic education enables citizens to understand and exercise their electoral rights effectively.

She welcomed the government’s commitment to hold elections this year, saying the process would provide citizens with an opportunity to choose leaders and hold them accountable for service delivery.

“Elections are important because they allow citizens to elect leaders of their choice and hold them accountable,” Siama said. “We encourage South Sudanese to uphold peace, unity and mutual respect throughout the electoral period.”