‘Voter education cannot flourish where fear prevails’ – rights network cautions

The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) has warned that voter education cannot succeed in an environment of fear, urging authorities and all political actors to safeguard civic freedoms ahead of the country’s planned elections.

The call came as the National Elections Commission officially launched the National Voter Education Campaign under the theme, “Your Vote is Your Future,” on Monday.

James Bidal, Head of the SSHRDN Secretariat, said meaningful voter participation depends on an enabling civic and political environment where citizens can freely express themselves, assemble peacefully, associate, and access information.

“Voter education cannot flourish where fear prevails. Citizens must be free to ask questions, express opinions, access information, and engage in political dialogue without intimidation or harassment. Protecting civic space is inseparable from protecting electoral integrity,” Bidal said.

The network welcomed the launch of the nationwide voter education campaign, describing it as an important step in South Sudan’s democratic transition and an opportunity to equip citizens with the knowledge needed to participate meaningfully in the country’s first elections in more than a decade.

SSHRDN urged the National Elections Commission and its partners to ensure voter education reaches women, youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, returnees, rural communities, and other marginalized groups so that no eligible voter is left behind.

Bidal said voter education should go beyond explaining voting procedures and empower citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.

“An informed and engaged citizenry is the foundation of democracy. We call upon all actors to protect civic space, promote peaceful participation, and ensure that these elections become a milestone for unity, accountability, and lasting peace,” he said.

The rights network also encouraged citizens to participate actively in voter education activities, reject misinformation and hate speech, and contribute to a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.