Political parties should refrain from threatening to boycott the upcoming elections due to claimed restrictions on political and civic space.
It is neither right nor justifiable for parties to fear the elections scheduled for December 2026, which will mark the end of the transitional period established by the 2018 peace agreement. Unfortunately, as the countdown to the election continues, our politicians continue to express concerns about the fairness, freedom, and credibility of the electoral process.
The electoral commission was established in 2018 and to effectively prepare for the upcoming elections, the commission must unveil the way forward, especially considering the limited time remaining to organize the election.
A fully appointed electoral commission is essential for fulfilling its mandate, which includes organizing, conducting, supervising, and regulating free and fair elections and referenda, among other functions. To ensure that these responsibilities are met, the commission must operate in an efficient, professional, and impartial manner, guided by its mission and vision to become a model institution and centre of excellence in election management.
The remaining months present an important opportunity for the government to facilitate the return of refugees from camps and South Sudanese citizens from the diaspora in preparation for the elections.
A crucial step in this process is conducting a comprehensive door-to-door census to gather accurate population data, ensuring that each citizen has the right to vote.
The government also needs to prioritize the development of essential infrastructure, such as feeder roads and medical facilities, while stabilizing security throughout the country. This will enable smooth transportation for South Sudanese citizens returning from abroad and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
For these elections to be successful, all necessary preparations must be in place, and every minister should actively implement the required processes in their respective sectors. Political parties should be allowed to conduct their public campaigns freely, without interference from other political entities.
The citizens of South Sudan desire credible elections—elections that uphold the rights and aspirations of the people. Voters should have the opportunity to choose their leaders, rather than having leaders imposed upon them.
Political parties entitled to the peace agreement should not feel pressured to boycott the elections because of a lack of political space. We must avoid repeating the violence of the 2010 elections, which led to rebellion in South Sudan.
Let us remember the suffering of those in foreign countries, ensuring that the peace we strive for is lasting and serves the interests of all. Otherwise, our current politicians risk dragging the nation back into the crises seen between 2013 and 2016.
God Protect South Sudan
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