22 January 2013 - The inauguration of the National Elections Commission (NEC) in Juba today marked another key step in South Sudan's journey towards electoral democracy, according to national authorities and representatives of the international community who attended the event.

The NEC chairperson Prof. Abedne Akok Kachuol said that democratization has many challenges such as accountability and acceptance of political competition.

"We are happy that a new nation has started with the establishment of a commission at this particular time, (and we will) see to it that all the processes embodied in their tasks are implemented," he said.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson, said that political freedom was an essential goal of the South Sudanese people's struggle for decades and remains the cornerstone of the independent country.

"Political freedom is also the basis for what we are gathered here around today – the launching of the National Elections Commission," said Ms. Johnson. "The management of elections is essential for the stability of the country."

Presiding over the ceremony, the South Sudan Supreme Court's Chief Justice Chan Rec Madut thanked the international community for the support given to the people of South Sudan.

"What we want to see in the near future is responsible institutions, responsible people and respect for human rights," said Justice Madut, adding that this was not an impossible task to achieve.