By Sabri Diabaco
The civil society organisations and the Women’s Union of South Sudan have called on political leaders to commit to peaceful, free, and fair elections, warning that the absence of political consensus could increase the risk of electoral violence.
The appeals were made during the launch of a civic and voters’ education campaign for the electoral process, where speakers urged political parties to reject hate speech, political intimidation, and the misuse of state power while encouraging citizens to exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
Edmond Yakani, the executive director for community empowerment, said civic and voters’ education is intended to prepare both voters and candidates to participate responsibly in the country’s democratic process.
“Civic education is for all of us, being voters and being candidates, to take responsibility for exercising our rights but also not forgetting our duties and responsibilities,” Yakani said.
Edmond Yakani urged politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns and refrain from actions that could incite violence.
“As we are in the fever of the election, I urge you to abstain from hate speech, hateful sentiments, and constant propaganda. Violence benefits no one, and those who suffer most are the people and the political parties themselves,” Edmond Yakani said.
He warned that without broad national political consensus, South Sudan could witness isolated incidents of election-related violence, drawing lessons from previous elections.
“In the absence of national political consensus, we are afraid that we may witness pockets of a violent electoral process. I witnessed the 2010 elections. We saw ballot papers being burned, and it became clear that some people abused their authority,” Yakani stated
Yakani also accused some officials of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents and manipulate the electoral process.
“I ask politicians who have authority, please do not abuse state power to manipulate the electoral process. Let our votes be counted as they are cast without interference,” Yakani appealed.
He further urged political parties to avoid using state resources to dominate the political space.
“We don’t want to see a single party bullying others as if it owns the country. Political leaders derive their authority from the people’s votes. Come and convince us through your policies, not through intimidation,” Yakani added.
He emphasised that civic and voter education seeks to empower citizens to make informed choices at the ballot box and hold leaders accountable through democratic means.
During the same event, the Women’s Union of South Sudan called on all political parties to support women’s participation in the electoral process, saying women remain committed to promoting democracy, peace, and inclusive governance.
Mary Agol, a representative of the women’s union in South Sudan, urged political parties to create an enabling environment that allows women to contest elective positions freely and participate fully as voters, candidates, and political leaders.
“We call upon all political parties to support women because women are champions of democracy. We need free, fair, and peaceful elections where every citizen, regardless of gender, can participate without fear,” Mary Agol said.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, saying peaceful elections are essential for strengthening national unity and ensuring credible leadership.
“We support democracy because democracy gives every citizen an equal voice. Women are ready to contribute to building a peaceful and democratic South Sudan, and we urge all political actors to uphold peace throughout the electoral process,” Mary Agol added.
The launch of the civic and voter education campaign brought together representatives of civil society organisations, women’s groups, political stakeholders, a UN representative, and members of the public to raise awareness about citizens’ electoral rights and responsibilities ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated elections.