 has launched its first media engagement workshop on voter and civic education, bringing together journalists from various media houses in Juba to strengthen electoral reporting ahead of South Sudan’s upcoming general elections.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched its first media engagement workshop on voter and civic education, bringing together journalists from various media houses in Juba to strengthen electoral reporting ahead of South Sudan’s upcoming general elections.
The half-day workshop focused on the NEC’s legal framework, the National Elections Act 2012 as amended in 2026, updates on the commission’s activities, voter and civic education, and the media’s role throughout the electoral process.
Speaking at the workshop, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) Chairperson Patrick Oyet welcomed the initiative, saying journalists need adequate information and preparation to report accurately on the elections.
“Coming together like this is really good for us to learn also what is going on at NEC and therefore we provide accurate information to the public,” Oyet said.
He noted that the elections would be the first for many journalists to cover, and it requires professional training and access to reliable information for the public.
Oyet urged the commission to consider financial and logistical support for media houses to expand voter and civic education, including through radio programmes, television broadcasts and newspaper publications.
He said journalists would play a central role in informing citizens before, during and after the elections, including communicating official announcements, reporting on voting activities and relaying election results released by the relevant authorities.
“Many institutions do not plan for journalists. They only remember journalists when they want some events to be covered,” Oyet said, commending NEC for organizing an engagement specifically aimed at equipping media practitioners with the information they need.
He encouraged the commission to work with its development partners to include media houses in voter education initiatives, noting that effective public information campaigns require resources to support broadcasting and other forms of outreach.
In his remarks, NEC Commissioner in Charge of Media and Communication George Lemi said the media is a key partner in promoting public awareness and ensuring citizens receive accurate information throughout the electoral process.
“As journalists, you are not only a source of information, but also key partners in ensuring that citizens receive accurate information, balanced reporting, and build confidence in the electoral process,” Lemi said.
He urged journalists participating in the workshop to share their experiences, ask questions, and apply what they learned to their reporting.
Lemi emphasized that professional, impartial and responsible journalism could contribute to peaceful elections, informed citizens and democratic development.
He thanked the organizers, facilitators, partners and participating journalists, expressing confidence that the workshop would help strengthen accurate, inclusive and responsible electoral reporting in communities across South Sudan.
Lemi calls on journalists to use the knowledge and skills acquired to improve public understanding of the electoral process.
The engagement comes as preparations for the upcoming general elections continue, placing renewed importance on access to verified information, balanced reporting and public awareness of electoral procedures.