An interview with a voter in Unity State

Translation from Nuer into English:

The Sudanese National Elections today began. The first elections in our country in 24 years. Indeed a proud moment! I spoke to James Juin, a voter in Unity State at Mankuey polling station about his experience and the challenges the National Election Commission face in the coming days.

Bonifacio Taban: James can you tell me why are you interesting in casting your vote?

James Juin: I would like to cast my vote because we are following a democratic system as it is written in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which says that after five year there will be a national election conducted. So that is why today I cast my vote.

Bonifacio Taban: As you cast your vote, are you happy?

James Juin: Yes indeed I am happy to cast my vote. Very happy.

Bonifacio Taban: What do you think about this election, would you think it will be free and fair?

James Juin: I can’t tell you it will be free and fair. From the polling station I attended here in Mankuey there was no problem, but I cannot tell you because what I know in our polling station will not necessarily be the same in other polling stations.

Bonifacio Taban: As you have heard, there is a confusion with the names registered and the names on the electoral lists supplied by the NEC: Do you think the elections should be extended because of this problem?

James Juin: To me three days will not be enough since there is a problem with matching the names of the people that registered with the names of the people on the electoral lists. So yes, the National Election Commission needs to consider an extension of the three day elections.