Civil society, stakeholders call for urgent action to strengthen S. Sudan’s electoral preparedness

Juba, South Sudan — The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSUNDE) and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN) have issued a call for urgent, coordinated, and measurable action to address key institutional, legal, operational, security, and civic-space gaps ahead of South Sudan’s scheduled December 22, 2026 elections.

The appeal follows the 2026 South Sudan Country Forum, held in Juba from September 23–24, 2026, under the theme “Ready or Not: Assessing South Sudan’s Preparedness for the 22 December 2026 Elections.”

The gathering brought together national institutions, electoral bodies, civil society networks, women and youth representatives, marginalized groups, media personnel, human rights defenders, political stakeholders, and regional partners.

Participants emphasized that election credibility extends far beyond polling day, relying heavily on an enabling environment characterized by independent institutions, meaningful civic space, inclusive participation, reliable public information, and accessible dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Leadership Insights on Electoral Readiness

Speaking at the forum, SSUNDE Chairman Mr. James Okony Dau stressed that remaining timelines demand immediate execution from all stakeholders within their mandates.

“An election is not simply an event that takes place on polling day. 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,” Mr. Dau stated.

He also emphasized the necessity of regular public communication and transparency given the compressed electoral timetable.

Mr. Lony Ruot, President of SALF, noted that the gaps identified during assessments require systemic coordination across security, judicial, and political sectors.

Referring to SALF’s June 2026 research assessment, Mr. Ruot pointed to benchmark gaps across electoral management and dispute-resolution structures, calling for a coordinated readiness mechanism with measurable benchmarks and transparent public reporting.

He further underscored the importance of protecting constitutional freedoms and upholding the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Dr. Kennedy Masime, Authorized Representative of E-HORN, echoed these sentiments regarding inclusion and information access.

“Inclusive participation must remain at the centre of the electoral process. Women, young people, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, returnees and other underserved communities must have meaningful opportunities to participate throughout the electoral cycle.”

Key Areas Requiring Immediate Attention

The Forum outlined several interconnected priorities that require urgent intervention:

• Electoral and Operational Readiness: Voter registration, logistics, staffing, polling arrangements, and voter education.
• Legal and Constitutional Clarity: Resolving outstanding transitional and representation questions.
• Civic and Political Space: Safeguarding freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and movement.
• Electoral Security: Coordinated security measures, civilian protection, and the prevention of electoral violence.
• Inclusive Participation: Ensuring active involvement of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities.
• Information and Data Protection: Guaranteeing access to accurate information while countering misinformation and protecting data.
• Dispute Resolution: Establishing accessible, lawful channels to address electoral grievances.

SSUNDE and E-HORN have urged relevant institutions to execute their statutory responsibilities with transparency, accountability, and cooperation.

Furthermore, the organizations encouraged national and international partners to offer technical cooperation, capacity-building, and election observation support to reinforce electoral integrity across South Sudan.