By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) pins uncertainty of credible, free and fair elections in South Sudan on lack legal framework and resources.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the civil society organization said that there is a need to strengthen institutions responsible for creating suitable conditions for elections, along with sufficient funding and electoral laws.
Yakani’s call echoes a similar one from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and Security Council, which also urged the reconstitution of institutions mandated to establish favorable electoral conditions.
The activist contend that elections are currently South Sudan’s only viable path to transition from violence to peace, and to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. However, the absence of electoral laws and limited financial support for relevant institutions pose a significant risk to the December 2026 general elections.
“Election is the only viable way for transitioning the country from violence to peace, however, this requires inclusive political dialogue among South Sudanese,” Yakani stated.
He noted that adjustments to certain requirements within the electoral law are also needed.
The CEPO Director urged the National Election Commission leadership to collaborate with civil society organizations in the upcoming National Roundtable dialogue on the viability of South Sudan’s elections.
He said that the roundtable discussion will focus on defining the conditions necessary for the country’s preparation for the scheduled December 2026 elections.
Yakani further appealed to the country’s leadership to halt the ongoing violence, including military confrontations and airstrikes, which are inflicting a painful toll on citizens and hindering the creation of conditions conducive to holding the elections.
“Elections are very important, but they require political commitment and will, primarily through adequate and timely financing, and an immediate end to military confrontations among conflicting parties in South Sudan,” Yakani stated.
He stressed that it is the primary responsibility of South Sudanese to define how they want democracy to function in their country.
Yakani cautioned that any extension of the election period would jeopardize the government’s legitimacy and create a risky environment for potential manipulation of election results.
According to the activist, South Sudanese leaders need to decide how to conduct credible, non-violent, and peaceful elections without compromising the integrity of the electoral process.