Security gaps, displacement undermine confidence ahead of elections -Official

 A senior CTSAM-VM representative has said the incomplete implementation of security arrangements is undermining public confidence and raising concerns over the safety of voters, political actors and electoral institutions ahead of the December 2026 general elections.

Speaking during a CTSAM-VM meeting in Juba on Monday, Major General Bior Leek said the absence of a unified and neutral security force remains a major gap in the electoral process, while displacement of civilians could prevent many from voting.

“Who will vote in the coming elections if you displace the populations?” he said. “By displacing the entire populations, nobody will vote in the coming elections.”

He said a credible election requires proper security arrangements and trust in state institutions.

“A free, fair and credible election requires a secure and neutral environment,” he said. “The incomplete implementation of security arrangements undermines public confidence and raises concern over the safety of voters, political actors and electoral institutions.”

Major General Bior said the absence of a unified security structure remains a key challenge.

“When we are going for elections, the security arrangement is not implemented. There is no neutral army, no neutral police, no neutral security agency,” he said. “So who will be in charge of this? The voters? The safety of the people that are going to vote?”

He said CTSAM-VM remains committed to monitoring the ceasefire and implementation of the peace agreement, including security provisions linked to the electoral process.