The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) has expressed concerns that the country is not ready for the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 28, the Forum stated that key preparations remained outstanding less than two months before the scheduled polls. A consultative meeting held in Juba on October 22 and 23 brought together representatives of civil society, youth, women, academia, and faith groups to assess the country's readiness for the elections.
The SSCSF cited several outstanding preparations, including the electoral calendar, voter registration, civic education, candidate nominations, procurement of electoral materials, and logistical arrangements. These challenges are compounded by restricted civic, political, and media space, persistent insecurity, difficult terrain, accessibility constraints, and a lack of demonstrated political leadership. The Forum emphasized that elections held without adequate preparations risk eroding public confidence, deepening divisions, and setting back the transition.
The SSCSF called on the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to convene an inclusive dialogue on electoral preparedness. The dialogue should agree on the conditions needed for credible elections and produce a roadmap with clear timelines, costs, and responsibilities for completing the transition. The Forum also emphasized the importance of civil society being meaningfully included in the discussions, alongside women, youth, faith leaders, and other stakeholders.
According to the SSCSF, decisions on the transition rest with the parties and the people of South Sudan through a transparent and participatory process. The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting dialogue and citizen engagement, saying the transition should lead to inclusive and credible elections guided by a clear roadmap. The SSCSF's concerns come as the country prepares for its general elections.
The elections are a critical part of the country's transition process, aimed at consolidating peace and stability. However, the SSCSF's concerns highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process. The Forum's call for dialogue and inclusive discussions reflects the need for a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges.
The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides a framework for the country's transition process. The agreement emphasizes the importance of inclusive and credible elections in consolidating peace and stability. However, the SSCSF's concerns suggest that the country still has a long way to go in meeting the requirements for a credible electoral process.
The SSCSF's statement reflects the concerns of various stakeholders in South Sudan, including civil society, youth, women, and faith groups. These stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive and participatory approach to the transition process, emphasizing the need for credible and peaceful elections. The country's transition process is closely watched by regional and international actors, who are keen to see a peaceful and stable South Sudan.
Key points
- The South Sudan Civil Society Forum calls for an urgent dialogue on electoral preparedness and the country's political transition.
- The Forum cites outstanding preparations, including the electoral calendar, voter registration, and civic education, as major concerns.
- The SSCSF emphasizes the importance of civil society being meaningfully included in discussions on the transition process.
