By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
A political activist living in Pagirinya Refugee Settlement has raised serious concerns over South Sudan’s planned elections scheduled for December, warning that insecurity, hunger, and lack of public awareness could deny citizens a free and peaceful vote.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Sunday, Londu Saviour Droma said the current situation in South Sudan does not give hope for credible elections, as violence continues to affect several parts of the country.
According to Droma, many citizens are still living in fear because fighting has not completely stopped in different states. He argued that elections cannot succeed in an environment where people are uncertain about their safety.
“How can people vote peacefully when there are still conflicts and insecurities in many places?” he asked. “The country is not yet stable enough for citizens to freely participate in elections.”
Droma stressed that the government should first prioritise dialogue with holdout opposition groups to restore trust and stability before organising elections.
He warned that without inclusive peace talks, many communities may feel excluded or unsafe during the voting process.
“Without dialogue with the fallout opposition groups, people will not enjoy voting because insecurity remains everywhere,” he said.
The activist also expressed concern over what he described as poor preparation for civic education across the country.
He said many South Sudanese, especially those in rural areas, still do not understand the voting process and need proper sensitisation before elections are conducted.
“The government has to begin sensitisation from the Boma levels so that ordinary people can understand how to vote,” Droma explained. “Many citizens have never participated in such an exercise before.”
He further noted that the remaining period before December is too short for effective campaigns and public engagement.
According to him, political parties and candidates may struggle to reach citizens in remote areas within the limited time available.
Beyond insecurity and politics, Droma painted a painful picture of the humanitarian situation facing many South Sudanese families.
He said hunger continues to affect vulnerable communities, making survival more important than politics for many citizens.
“People are starving in different places. There is no food,” he lamented. “The leaders must first think about the suffering of the people.”
His remarks reflect growing concerns among refugees and citizens about whether South Sudan is fully prepared for its long-awaited elections, which many hope will bring peace, unity, and democratic progress to the young nation.