A two-day forum, themed "Ready or Not," has commenced in Juba, bringing together election stakeholders to review progress in preparations for the December 2026 General Elections in South Sudan. The forum, organized by the South Sudan Network for Democratic Elections, aims to assess the country's preparedness, identify key gaps and potential risks, and discuss measures to strengthen inclusive, peaceful, and meaningful participation in the elections. Discussions will focus on public participation, electoral awareness, and creating an environment conducive to peaceful political engagement.
The National Elections Commission's Director General for Public Outreach and External Relations, Barnaba Mayor Deng, opened the forum, emphasizing the Commission's readiness to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. He stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement and engagement in the electoral process, highlighting that the Commission remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with established procedures.
The forum comes after the dissolution of the transitional government as part of preparations for the planned December 2026 General Elections. Participants are expected to use the two-day discussions to identify practical measures to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and encourage citizens to participate peacefully and inclusively. The outcome of the forum is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on electoral preparedness and provide recommendations on areas requiring further attention before the country goes to the polls.
The South Sudan Network for Democratic Elections, a civil society group, is hosting the forum to assess the country's preparedness for the December 2026 polls. The group's efforts aim to promote democratic elections and encourage stakeholder engagement in the electoral process. By bringing together election stakeholders, the forum provides a platform for discussions on the country's level of preparedness, key gaps, and potential risks.
Key issues to be discussed during the forum include public participation, electoral awareness, and the creation of an environment conducive to peaceful political engagement. Stakeholders will also assess areas requiring further attention ahead of the December elections, including measures to strengthen inclusive, peaceful, and meaningful participation in the elections. The forum's outcome is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on electoral preparedness.
The National Elections Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in December 2026. The Commission's Director General, Barnaba Mayor Deng, emphasized that the Commission is ready to conduct the elections, highlighting the importance of stakeholder involvement and engagement in the electoral process. The Commission's efforts aim to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with established procedures.
The forum's recommendations are expected to provide guidance on areas requiring further attention before the country goes to the polls in December 2026. By assessing the country's preparedness and identifying key gaps and potential risks, stakeholders can work together to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and promote inclusive, peaceful, and meaningful participation in the elections. The outcome of the forum will contribute to ongoing discussions on electoral preparedness.
Key points
- The forum aims to assess South Sudan's preparedness for the December 2026 General Elections and identify measures to strengthen inclusive, peaceful, and meaningful participation in the elections.
