South Sudanese civilians and civil society leaders are raising concerns over the planned December 22, 2026, general elections, citing insecurity, delayed voter registration, limited civic education, and a lack of trust among political parties implementing the peace agreement. With less than two months remaining before the scheduled polls, questions are growing over whether preparations can be completed in time to ensure credible, free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Edmond Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), urged the country's leadership to demonstrate political will and accelerate electoral preparations, warning that delays could undermine the credibility of the elections. Yakani emphasized that election is a popular demand of the citizens of South Sudan as the only viable option for honorable and peaceful transfer of power.
Yakani called for voter registration to be accelerated throughout November, alongside the recruitment and training of registration officials, delivery of electoral materials, and timely release of funding to the National Elections Commission (NEC). He also urged authorities to open political and civic space to enable political parties to engage in election-related activities.
Some women in Juba expressed concern about fellow women living in areas affected by continuing conflict and intercommunal violence, saying insecurity could prevent them from registering and voting. Mama Kiden Awadia said persistent fighting and the presence of armed groups could restrict people's movement, while another woman from Gudele West expressed concern about delayed registration and inadequate information reaching citizens.
Emmanuel Khamis, a resident of Munuki, said political leaders must demonstrate commitment to the peace agreement and show readiness to accept the outcome of the elections. He emphasized that if there is no trust and the peace agreement is not fully implemented, people will continue to question whether the elections can bring stability.
The NEC has said it is preparing for nationwide voter registration but faces financial and logistical constraints. NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng said preparations were advancing, and the commission intended to move quickly, but acknowledged shortages of resources for voter education, registration, and logistical arrangements.
The government has continued to present the December elections as part of South Sudan's transition towards elected leadership. The African Union also reaffirmed support for peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections scheduled for December 22 in a declaration issued on September 29. As the deadline approaches, civilians and civil society leaders are calling for urgent action on voter registration, civic education, security, and political dialogue.
Key points
- The elections are scheduled for December 22, 2026.
- Insecurity and delayed voter registration are major concerns.
- The NEC faces financial and logistical constraints in preparing for the elections.
