The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSuNDE) and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN) have urged for urgent, coordinated, and measurable action to address outstanding institutional, legal, operational, security, and civic-space challenges ahead of South Sudan’s scheduled 22 December 2026 elections. This call follows the 2026 South Sudan Country Forum, held in Juba from 23–24 September 2026.
The Forum assessed electoral preparedness across various areas, including the legal and constitutional framework, institutional readiness, voter registration and electoral logistics, civic and political space, security conditions, inclusive participation, access to reliable information, and electoral complaints and dispute-resolution mechanisms. James Okony Dau, Chairman of SSuNDE, emphasized that the remaining time requires urgent, coordinated, and measurable action by all institutions and stakeholders.
Okony further stressed the importance of regular public communication and transparency concerning electoral preparations, particularly considering the compressed electoral timetable and the number of interconnected tasks that remain to be completed. He noted that credibility depends on the preparedness of electoral institutions, an enabling civic and political environment, inclusive participation, reliable information, adequate security, and accessible mechanisms for addressing electoral complaints and disputes.
Lony Ruot emphasized that electoral preparedness is an institutional and systemic responsibility, adding that the gaps identified cannot be treated as isolated technical issues. He called for a coordinated readiness mechanism with clear responsibilities, measurable benchmarks, regular public reporting, and practical measures to address identified financial, logistical, technical, and human-resource gaps.
Ruot also stressed the importance of protecting constitutional freedoms and ensuring that security measures facilitate, rather than unduly restrict, lawful civic and political participation. He reaffirmed the revitalised agreement as the legal and political framework for the transitional period and called for its continued respect and implementation.
Dr. Kennedy Masime, representative of E-HORN, stated that inclusive participation must remain at the centre of the electoral process. He emphasized that women, young people, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, returnees, and other underserved communities must have meaningful opportunities to participate throughout the electoral cycle.
Masime added that the electoral process also requires accessible and reliable information, strengthened civic and voter education, accurate and accessible electoral information, protection of personal and electoral data, responsible media reporting, and an enabling environment for peaceful and meaningful civic and political participation. The region stands in solidarity with the people and the government of South Sudan in supporting the country’s transition from conflict to lasting peace.
Key points
- Urgent action is required to address security challenges ahead of South Sudan's December 2026 elections.
- The electoral process requires inclusive participation, accessible and reliable information, and strengthened civic and voter education.
- The region supports South Sudan's transition from conflict to lasting peace through a lawful, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process.
