“Nobody can Force Refugees to Return for Elections” says Prof. Akok
By Patriica John
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has clarified that South Sudanese refugees cannot be compelled to return home solely to participate in the upcoming elections.
Speaking on refugee participation in the electoral process, NEC Chairperson Prof. Abenego Akok Kachuol emphasized that refugees hold recognized legal status in their host countries, protecting them from forced repatriation for voting purposes.
“The refugees have the status in the country they are in. Nobody can force them to come,” Prof. Akok said.
He explained that participation will depend entirely on the willingness of the refugees themselves and the legal frameworks governing their respective countries of asylum.
However, Prof. Akok noted that refugees who wish to take part in the polls could potentially cast their ballots without leaving their host nations, provided the right mechanisms are put in place.
The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan signed in 2018 Article 1.2.3. states the following “Expedite the relief, protection, voluntary and dignified repatriation, rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration of IDPs and returnees, working closely with the United Nations and other international agencies.”
It was expected that refugees would be facilitated to return to the country before the planned general elections before the end of the transitional period.
