President Salva Kiir and Vice President Dr James Wani Igga during a meeting at the State House in Juba. – Photo credit: Office of the President

President Salva Kiir has directed Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga to lead SPLM delegations to various states to prepare citizens for the forthcoming elections.

Kiir gave the directive after meeting Vice President Igga in his office on Friday.

The meeting also discussed ways to address the salary crisis affecting civil servants and government employees who have gone for months without pay.

According to a statement from the Office of the President, Kiir, in his capacity as Chairman of the SPLM Party, instructed Igga, who is also the First Deputy Chairperson of the party, to lead delegations to different states on a date yet to be announced.

The presidency said the initiative is expected to enhance public awareness and mobilization ahead of the electoral process.

It added that the move is aimed at reinforcing the government’s commitment to a peaceful and inclusive democratic exercise.

The announcement comes shortly after Kiir toured the Bahr el Ghazal region, where he addressed public rallies in Wau, Kuajok, and Aweil before returning to Juba.

While in Aweil, the President reportedly announced that he would begin election campaigns in July.

The development also comes as the National Elections Commission is expected to announce the election timetable on Monday next week.