CES Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony|Courtesy

The Governor of Central Equatoria State has urged political and community leaders to help stop misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory language ahead of the December 22 general elections.

Governor Adil made the remarks during the launch of the Civic and Voter Education Campaign in Juba, organized by the Central Equatoria State High-Level Elections Committee.

He said civic and voter education should go beyond teaching people how to vote. It should also help citizens understand their rights, responsibilities and role in shaping the future of the state and country.

Governor Adil urged eligible voters to obtain accurate information from the National Elections Commission and understand the electoral process before taking part in the December vote.

He also called on political actors, aspiring candidates and their supporters to maintain peace, exercise restraint and respect one another.

Governor Adil warned that political differences should not become a source of violence, hatred or division among communities.

He further urged political and community leaders to educate rather than mislead citizens, warning against inflammatory language, misinformation, hate speech and messages that could provoke conflict.

The Governor called on religious, traditional and community leaders to use their influence at the grassroots level to promote peace, tolerance, responsible citizenship and accurate information about the electoral process.