The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSUNDE) and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN) have called for urgent action to address key gaps ahead of South Sudan's scheduled December 22, 2026 elections. This appeal follows the 2026 South Sudan Country Forum, held in Juba from September 23–24, 2026. The forum brought together national institutions, electoral bodies, civil society networks, and regional partners to assess the country's preparedness for the elections.
Participants at the forum emphasized that election credibility relies heavily on an enabling environment characterized by independent institutions, meaningful civic space, inclusive participation, reliable public information, and accessible dispute-resolution mechanisms. SSUNDE Chairman Mr. James Okony Dau stressed that remaining timelines demand immediate execution from all stakeholders within their mandates. He highlighted the necessity of regular public communication and transparency given the compressed electoral timetable.
Mr. Lony Ruot, President of SALF, noted that gaps identified during assessments require systemic coordination across security, judicial, and political sectors. Referring to SALF’s June 2026 research assessment, Mr. Ruot pointed to benchmark gaps across electoral management and dispute-resolution structures. He called for a coordinated readiness mechanism with measurable benchmarks and transparent public reporting, while underscoring the importance of protecting constitutional freedoms and upholding the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Dr. Kennedy Masime, Authorized Representative of E-HORN, emphasized the importance of inclusive participation in the electoral process. He stated that women, young people, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, returnees, and other underserved communities must have meaningful opportunities to participate throughout the electoral cycle. The forum outlined several priorities that require urgent intervention, including electoral and operational readiness, legal and constitutional clarity, and civic and political space.
The forum identified key areas requiring immediate attention, including voter registration, logistics, staffing, polling arrangements, and voter education. Other priorities include safeguarding freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and movement, as well as ensuring active involvement of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities. Additionally, the forum highlighted the need for coordinated security measures, civilian protection, and the prevention of electoral violence.
SSUNDE and E-HORN have urged relevant institutions to execute their statutory responsibilities with transparency, accountability, and cooperation. The organizations encouraged national and international partners to offer technical cooperation, capacity-building, and election observation support to reinforce electoral integrity across South Sudan. This effort aims to ensure that the elections are credible and reflect the will of the South Sudanese people.
The call for urgent action comes as South Sudan prepares for its first elections since the signing of the R-ARCSS in 2018. The elections are seen as a critical step towards consolidating peace and stability in the country. However, concerns about the country's preparedness and the credibility of the electoral process have been raised by various stakeholders.
Key points
- The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network have called for urgent action to address key institutional, legal, operational, security, and civic-space gaps ahead of South Sudan's scheduled December 22, 2026 elections.
