South Sudanese Minister of Public Service, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, has called on political leaders opposing the country's planned December general elections to seek a fresh mandate from the people. Gatkuoth argued that elections provide leaders with an opportunity to defend their records, present their programs, and demonstrate whether they still enjoy public support. He made these remarks in an opinion article published on his Facebook page on September 21, 2026.
Gatkuoth questioned why South Sudan should remain under transitional political arrangements when citizens have waited for years to exercise their political rights through the ballot box. He emphasized that general elections everywhere are an opportunity for leaders to return to the people, defend their records, present their vision, and seek a renewed mandate. According to Gatkuoth, leaders who genuinely believe they have the confidence of the people should welcome the ballot box.
The minister rejected the idea of repeatedly postponing elections, saying continued extensions risk keeping the country trapped in a cycle of transitional governance. He stressed that South Sudan cannot remain trapped in a cycle of endless extensions while the people's political choice is repeatedly postponed. Gatkuoth maintained that the country must move from transitional politics to a democratic process in which citizens decide who should govern them.
Gatkuoth called on political leaders to use the planned December 22 elections as an opportunity to present their programs and defend their records before voters. He further urged political leaders not to fear the electorate, saying the ballot box should provide the mechanism through which citizens determine the country's political leadership. According to him, the people of South Sudan are not fools and deserve to exercise their political power through the ballot box.
The minister emphasized that the people of South Sudan have endured conflict, displacement, and have carried the burden of political instability for far too long. He said they fought for independence and deserve to exercise their political rights through the ballot box. Gatkuoth's remarks come as the country prepares for its general elections in December.
Gatkuoth's opinion article was published on his Facebook page on September 21, 2026, and has sparked a lively debate among South Sudanese leaders and citizens. The article highlights the importance of democratic processes and the need for leaders to be accountable to the people. The country has been under transitional arrangements for several years, and the planned elections are seen as a crucial step towards consolidating democracy.
The planned December elections are seen as a critical moment for South Sudan's democratic development. Gatkuoth's call for leaders to seek a fresh mandate from the people is likely to resonate with many citizens who are eager to exercise their political rights. The country's leaders will have to decide whether to heed Gatkuoth's call or continue with the status quo.
Key points
- Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth urges South Sudanese leaders to seek a fresh mandate from the people through elections.
- Gatkuoth rejects the idea of repeatedly postponing elections, citing the risk of keeping the country trapped in transitional governance.
- The planned December elections are seen as a crucial step towards consolidating democracy in South Sudan.
