11/07/2025
IEC guidance on the Open-air Campaign and Grand Debate – July 12, 2025
Dear DCYA family,
The Grand debate is an opportunity for candidates to succinctly appeal to the youth and to garner considerable support on the polling day. To make this debate a success, the IEC would like to provide the following guidance to the DCYA members and invited guests.
1. Public arrival: Duk community and invited guests are expected to arrive at Gumbo Basic by 10:30 am. Earlier arrival will enable the IEC to start and end the program before sunset.
2. Arrival of candidates and their teams: Candidates and their teams must be at the venue before the arrival of the guest of honor, debate moderator and the DCYA patron of the day. The IEC expects all teams to observe the following arrival time:
10:45 -11:00 am: DYDA team
11:00 -11:15: DUA team
3. Parking: Protocols and security at the venue will direct drivers to park their vehicles in specific parking lots. Drivers are encouraged to abide by the directives of the protocol and security teams
4. VIPs procession: The guest of honor, Special guest, debate moderator and the patron of the day shall be ushered to the venue by the Duk Flower Girls. Audiences should allow the VIP procession without interruption (no movement across the stage)
5. Traditional regalia and Cultural dances: Audiences shall be entertained by the Duk, Acholi and Panaruu cultural groups showcasing their rich cultures, identity and traditions, all contributing to the unity of South Sudanese. Traditional dancers and those on special regalia will be given priority of service, including allocation of seats.
6. During the grand debate: While it is important to support candidates when on the stage, the IEC would like all supporters to allow time for the moderator to ask questions and seek answers from party leaders. Silence and respect to the candidates will allow the moderator to ask many questions and seek clarification from candidates.
7. After the debate: The ELECTION SILENCE Day (No campaign period) starts at the end of the grand debate. During this period, candidates and their supporters should not convene any meetings. The silence day ends with the declaration of the results on July 13, 2025.
David Malual-chuai Wuordit (IEC – Chairman)