President Salva Kiir greets Press Secretary Arek Aldo Ajou on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The President directed the Press Secretary to develop media relations and improve communication on government programs. | Credit: Office of the President

Presidential Press Secretary Arek Aldo Ajou Deng has urged South Sudanese to embrace the democratic process rather than fear upcoming elections, calling on those seeking political change to organize, campaign, and persuade voters at the ballot box.

Hon. Arek, the President’s Spokesperson, made the call on Sunday, urging political parties, civil society, the media and citizens to engage in the electoral debate peacefully and responsibly.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Office of the President said it had taken note of recent statements questioning the electoral process and raising concerns about the liberation generation, national leadership and the direction of the country.

“The December elections should therefore not be feared. They should be embraced. Those who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction should organize, campaign, and convince voters that is democracy. The people, not political elites, not former comrades, not social media commentators, and not individuals who have benefited from government positions should ultimately decide. It is the people who should decide,” said Arek.

While reading the statement, Ajou questioned what she described as changing positions among some political actors regarding the elections.

She said some of those now expressing reservations about the polls were previously demanding to know why the elections had been postponed and blaming President Salva Kiir Mayardit for the delays.

“It is also worth asking whether some of the current outrage is genuinely about the welfare of South Sudan or whether it’s about the political calculations that accompany an approaching election. For years, the public was told that elections were necessary.

“Now that elections are being prepared, the public is hearing arguments that appear designed to create doubt about holding them. South Sudanese are entitled to notice that contradiction because when elections come, political cards are revealed,” she added.

The Office said those who believe the government has failed should present their case to voters, while those seeking political change should organise and persuade citizens.

It described the December elections as an opportunity to return political choice to the people through the ballot box.

The Office called on political leaders, political parties, civil society, the media and citizens to conduct the electoral debate peacefully and responsibly.