An 80-year-old polling staff died on Sunday after working for whole day without food at a polling station in Eastern Equatoria.
Moses Mugalako, the presiding officer at Longute central Polling centre, told the press that one of his officials, Emmanuel Oryem, died of lack of food, Radio Emmanuel reported.Relatives to the deceased told the press that Mr. Oryem died at Torit civil hospital where he was rushed after collapsing at home upon his return from the polling centre.
Eastern Equatoria State Secretary for Election High Committee, Amos Juma, denied that late Oryem was employed by his office.
Mr. Juma said the Commission could not allow a man of such advanced age to officiate at a polling station.
Mr. Mugalako added that yesterday state Election High Committee officials had not responded to pleas of polling staff to get some food and water at voting centres.
Mr. Juma said that that some food rations were distributed to the polling officials but yesterday at 03:00pm, none of the polling officials in 15 stations cross-checked by journalists confirmed having received even a pint of water.