The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) has expressed concerns that the country is not ready for the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. In a statement released after its second consultative meeting on electoral preparedness, the Forum cited critical preparations and funding that remain outstanding, including the electoral calendar, voter registration, and civic education.
The SSCSF meeting, which took place in Juba from October 22 to 23, 2026, brought together representatives of civil society, youth, women, academia, and faith groups to assess the country's readiness for the elections. The Forum emphasized that decisions on the transition rest with the parties and the people of South Sudan through a transparent and participatory process.
According to the SSCSF, with fewer than 60 days to the scheduled elections, essential preparations are still pending, including candidate nominations, procurement of electoral materials, and logistical arrangements. The Forum also raised concerns about restricted civic, political, and media space, persistent insecurity, difficult terrain, accessibility constraints, and a lack of demonstrated political leadership.
The SSCSF warned that elections held without adequate preparations risk eroding public confidence, deepening divisions, and setting back the transition. The Forum called for an inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on electoral preparedness and the way forward for the transition, with civil society meaningfully included as a representative of citizens.
The Forum urged the African Union and IGAD, in consultation with the parties to the R-ARCSS, holdout groups, the Caretaker Government, civil society, women, youth, faith leaders, and other stakeholders, to urgently convene an inclusive dialogue to agree on the conditions and arrangements necessary for credible elections.
The SSCSF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive dialogue and citizen engagement towards a peaceful transition that culminates in inclusive and credible elections. The Forum remains resolute in its role as a stakeholder and partner in shaping a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous South Sudan.
The SSCSF emphasized that it will continue to play an active role in the dialogue and ensure that the transition reflects the aspirations of the South Sudanese people. The Forum's statement highlights the need for a clear, costed roadmap with agreed timelines and responsibilities for concluding the transition.
Key points
- The South Sudan Civil Society Forum says current conditions are not conducive to fair and credible elections.
- The Forum cites outstanding preparations and funding as major concerns, including the electoral calendar, voter registration, and civic education.
- The SSCSF calls for an inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on electoral preparedness and the way forward for the transition.
