As South Sudan prepares to begin the voter registration process ahead of the December 2026 general elections, the government must make security a top priority. Voter registration is an important step toward credible elections, but it cannot succeed in an environment where citizens feel unsafe to move freely or participate.
The government has a responsibility to create conditions in which every eligible citizen can register without fear, intimidation, or violence. Security forces must therefore be adequately deployed around registration centres, particularly in areas that have experienced conflict or remain vulnerable to insecurity.
The presence of security personnel should not be used to intimidate citizens or restrict political participation. Instead, security forces must remain professional, neutral, and committed to protecting all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
Political parties and leaders also have a role to play. They should encourage their supporters to participate peacefully and avoid inflammatory statements that could create fear or provoke confrontation. Election-related disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and the established legal and electoral mechanisms.
The government should also work closely with the National Elections Commission, political parties, civil society organisations and local communities to identify areas where security risks could affect registration. Early planning is essential. Waiting until incidents occur before responding would undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Citizens must be able to travel to registration centres, wait in line, and return home safely. Women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups should receive particular attention so that insecurity does not prevent them from exercising their rights.
The success of the 2026 elections will depend not only on registration materials, electoral laws, and institutions, but also on the security environment surrounding the entire process.
South Sudan has an opportunity to demonstrate that political differences can be managed peacefully. Strengthening security before voter registration is therefore not simply a government responsibility; it is an investment in public confidence and national stability.
A peaceful registration process will be the first important step toward peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.