The United South Sudan Party (USSP) has appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to lift restrictions on the movement of political leaders, citing concerns over political participation ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections. This appeal follows the party's engagement with the National Elections Commission (NEC), where it sought clarification on the Commission's level of preparedness for the upcoming elections. The USSP, led by its party leader, Paulino Lukudu Obede, visited NEC as part of its electoral preparedness efforts.
During the meeting, the USSP presented a 12-point roadmap outlining key concerns and outstanding requirements for the electoral process. The party highlighted several issues, including the commencement of voter registration, boundary delimitation, publication of the voters' register, and announcement of the official campaign period. These concerns were raised in a letter issued on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for the NEC to address them before the elections.
The USSP also raised concerns over election security, mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes, insecurity in potential electoral hotspots, and shrinking civic space. Additionally, the party expressed worry about the non-release of political party funding as provided for under the Political Parties Act, 2012. To address these concerns, the USSP recommended the establishment of an Election Special Court to address electoral irregularities.
The USSP further recommended the establishment of an Early Warning Centre equipped with a toll-free reporting line to enable citizens to report potential election-related threats. The party appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to lift restrictions on the movement of political leaders, allowing them to freely participate in the electoral process. The USSP also urged NEC to ensure accessible polling centres for persons with disabilities, older persons, and the sick.
To promote public confidence and stakeholder participation in the December polls, the USSP called on NEC to provide regular updates on preparations. The party reaffirmed its readiness to participate in the electoral process at all levels, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and timely implementation of electoral requirements. The USSP's engagement with NEC is part of its efforts to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.
The USSP's recommendations also included the publication of geographical constituencies and capacity-building programmes for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Leagues to strengthen their participation in the electoral process. The party emphasized the need for NEC to ensure that polling centres are accessible to all citizens, including those with disabilities, older persons, and sick voters.
The United South Sudan Party's appeal to lift restrictions on the movement of political leaders is a significant development ahead of the December elections. The party's efforts to engage with NEC and promote a credible electoral process demonstrate its commitment to democratic participation. Key issues, such as election security and civic space, must be addressed to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
Key points
- USSP appeals for lifting restrictions on movement of political leaders ahead of December elections.
- Party presents 12-point roadmap outlining key concerns and outstanding requirements for electoral process.
- USSP recommends establishment of Election Special Court and Early Warning Centre to address electoral irregularities.
