South Sudanese start registering to vote ahead of first national elections

People in South Sudan are registering to vote in the first general elections since the country's independence from Sudan in 2011. Initially scheduled for 2015, the authorities have postponed the vote twice before and extended the transitional period several times amid ongoing violence and political tensions. The voter registration exercise ...shall be conducted throughout the ten states and three administrative areas. At all 3,161 registration centers, all eligible South Sudanese citizens are encouraged to participate in the exercise and demonstrate their democratic right to register and vote. Poll-related equipment has arrived in the ten federal state capitals and the three administrative zones where the elections will be held. But it's expected to take several more days to reach some centers further afield, shortening registration time in those areas. The commissions call upon high election committees in ten states and three administrative areas. Security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations, community leaders and the media. To support public awareness and facilitate an inclusive registration exercise in the Republic of South Sudan. Deng says that after registration closes on the 28th of November, the Commission will publish a preliminary register showing how many people are eligible to vote. Voting is due to take place on the 22nd of December, but several local media reported on Saturday that this has been moved to the 11th of February. There's been concerns from regional and international partners over the country's readiness to hold credible elections in December.