Nassir Commissioner calls for voter registration extension

November 20, 2009 (MALAKAL) — Nassir County commissioner, Upper Nile State, Major General Gathoth Gatkuoth, called for extension of voter registration process saying his county is experiencing food short which diverts local population from giving full attention to registration.

Some of the centres in areas mostly hit by famine are empty because majority among local people pays much attention on issues surrounding hunger which has completely drawn their attentions, he said.

The General Kathoth stressed that attention of local population, particularly those in the east of his county, which has been greatly affected by famine need urgent humanitarian assistances,

He described the food shortage in the county as hazardous voicing out that around five hundred thousand citizens in the east of the county suffer most from the areas.

For successful conduct of voter registration process in the area, “I called on National Elections Commission to extend the voter registration period until the 20th of next December to ensure a greater participation of citizens,” he said.

“This is because State government is currently trying to instantly send in relieving assistance to help citizens settle,” he added.

Commissioner further said that registration process in the county is being sabotaged by opposition groups whose intentions are just to cause some disruptions to delay the exercise.

(ST)