South Sudan needs ‘civic education’ before elections, says bishop

Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu pictured in 2022 when he headed the Diocese of Rumbek (Fondazione CESAR / CNA)

“These are not just routine elections like those held regularly in other countries, but the first elections since the independence of a 14-year-old new nation.”

A bishop called for civic education to be taught in schools in South Sudan as the country prepares for elections.

Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu said this would help give legitimacy to the elections that were due later this year but have been postponed to 2026.

Recent reports suggested the government has shown little commitment to preparing conditions for the smooth running of the much-anticipated polls. With civic society activities undermined by the legacy of civil war, observers have warned that poor voter awareness could undermine voter participation and informed voting decisions.

“We value the subject of civic education taught in school. It is a long process. The process must lead to the formation of a national consciousness and the building of the nation on the basis of the common good of all citizens,” said Bishop Carlassare in a diocesan update on 10 January.

“These are not just routine elections like those held regularly in other countries, but the first elections since the independence of a 14-year-old new nation.”

South Sudan ceded from Sudan in 2011 after a protracted civil war, and these first elections are considered a test for President Salva Kirr’s democratic credentials.

“Electoral consultations must be prepared and carried out adequately based on constitutional rights for the sake of a true democratic process,” said Carlasssare, an Italian Comboni missionary, was made the first Bishop of Bentiu when diocese was erected last July.

His also update paid tribute to the role of lay preachers and catechists in growing the local Church, with almost half-a-million Catholics in the diocese but very few clergy.

“We currently have seven diocesan priests and two deacons. The parishes therefore depend on catechists and lay pastoral agents who are the backbone of the Christian communities,” Carlassare said. The bishop said catechists filled a huge gap as the diocese has no religious sisters.

Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/south-sudan-needs-civic-education-before-elections-says-bishop/