The European Union has stated that it currently has no funding available to support South Sudan's planned December elections. EU Ambassador to South Sudan Pelle Enarsson made this announcement during a media briefing in Juba, emphasizing that the government has yet to present a detailed budget outlining the resources required to conduct the elections.
Enarsson stressed that the government should take the lead in financing the electoral process before seeking additional assistance from international partners. He noted that the government "needs to be in the driver's seat of making the right budgets, putting resources on the table itself and then identify the gaps." This approach is expected to ensure that the government is committed to the electoral process.
The EU's stance on funding for the elections comes as South Sudan's Parliament has passed amendments to the Elections Act, with President Salva Kiir signing the legislation into law. The amended law provides the legal framework for elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. Enarsson's comments suggest that the EU is eager to see a credible and inclusive electoral process.
According to Enarsson, any future EU support for the elections would depend on factors including the inclusivity and credibility of the electoral process. The EU would await the findings of an AU election monitoring mission before considering any possible support. This approach indicates that the EU is cautious about getting involved in the electoral process without assurances of its integrity.
Enarsson also mentioned that any future request for assistance could be presented to a broader group of international partners, potentially with the involvement of the African Union. This could provide an opportunity for the government to secure funding and technical support from a wider range of sources. The EU's willingness to consider supporting the elections under certain conditions is a positive development.
The EU's announcement on funding for the elections is a significant development in the lead-up to the polls. With the government yet to present a detailed budget, it remains to be seen how the electoral process will be funded. The EU's emphasis on the government's role in financing the elections highlights the need for the government to take ownership of the process.
The situation with EU funding for the elections highlights the complexities and challenges of preparing for a major electoral event. As the December 22, 2026 election date approaches, the government will need to address concerns about funding, inclusivity, and credibility to ensure a successful and legitimate electoral process.
Key points
- The European Union has no funding available to support South Sudan's December elections due to the government's failure to present a detailed budget.
