JUBA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's National Elections Commission (NEC) launched a nationwide voter and civic education campaign on Monday to prepare citizens for general elections scheduled for Dec. 22, as part of efforts to pave the way for the country's first national elections since independence in 2011.

Abednego Akok Kacuol, chairperson of the NEC, said the campaign aims to inform eligible voters of the registration process, polling procedures and their civic rights, while encouraging broad participation across the country.

"The campaign is strictly non-partisan and designed to ensure that all eligible citizens understand the process and can participate effectively," Akok said during the launch in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

He noted that the commission will prioritize reaching marginalized groups that often face barriers to voting, including women, youth, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons.

Vice President James Wani Igga urged citizens to register and participate peacefully, stressing that a credible voter register is essential for free and fair elections.

The campaign will be rolled out nationwide through partnerships with civil society organizations, media outlets, faith-based groups, political parties and community leaders to raise public awareness ahead of the December vote. ■