By Yiep Joseph
As the world celebrates International Day of Democracy today, eyes have been set on South Sudan strengthen the process.
While ups and downs in the 2018 peace agreement delay elections, pressure continues to mount on leaders to ensure that elections take place.
With the country being governed by a shared government among peace parties, democracy continues to face challenges.
Officials, including previously elected members of parliament are being axed.
15th September 2025 marked 18 years since the UN General Assembly established the International Day of Democracy in 2007.
On this day, some of the stakeholders in South Sudan have called on leaders to follow all the avenues that will take the country to election.
Manon Chuol, a scholar based in Australia, expressed that for sincere democracy to prevail in South Sudan, there is a need for wider awareness and political commitment.
In an interview with this outlet, Chuol claimed that many South Sudanese lack information about democracy as well as how to put it into practice.
“Our people need to be informed about the importance of democracy; many people do not know it well and cannot put it into practice, and also our politicians must have a will that allows people to accept them or reject them,” he said.
“Our leaders must be committed to democracy by allowing people to exercise their powers through voting either within the party or general election” he added
He called on the partners and the government to strengthen efforts in disseminating messages that can ease genuine democracy among the communities.
The scholar called on all the leaders to be exemplary and allow internal democracy in their parties.
“It is important if parties in South Sudan allow members to be free to be voted for and to vote without influence or intimidation; this is the start of a bigger democracy,” he said.
He urged the leaders and the general public to read more books regarding peace and democracy, adding that such knowledge can shape the country just like other countries.
Edmund Yakani, one of the activists and stakeholders in the 2018 peace process, urged the leaders to give internal democracy a chance without intimidation or influence.
“As we are going to commemorate Democracy Day, I am appealing to leaders of political parties and members of political parties: build an internal democracy in your parties, because that internal democracy will be reflected when you assume a political position in the government,” he said.
“For democracy to prevail in South Sudan, there is a need to have a very progressive change of political attitude and political culture among the political elites,” he expressed.
Yakani is the Executive Director for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, a civil society organization that has been calling for peace and stability to give the election a chance.
He added that the country still has a long way to go in terms of democracy, as many challenges continue to obstruct its progress.
“South Sudan has a long way to go to achieve democracy in our society simply because of our political establishment and our political culture,” he said.
The activist reiterated that ethnic-centered politics is one aspect that delays the country from achieving democracy.
“The second is our political establishment merged from disagreement over internal democracy in the parties, and that is clearly demonstrated by the continued splits among political parties in South Sudan,” he said.
He urged the parties to ensure internal democracy in all aspects, adding that such a move would reflect progress.
The activist citizen voted for parties with internal democracy at the time of election.
“For the citizens, if we are voting for politicians or political parties, let us vote for those with internal democracy in their parties. If we vote for political parties that lack internal democracy, it means we are handing over government to individuals who do not respect democracy,” he said.
He called for empowerment of women in the country.
On his part, Ter Manyang, the Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), urged the government of South Sudan to strengthen internal democracy.
In an interview with this outlet, Ter called on leaders to respect and promote internal democracy.
“On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) has called on the Government of South Sudan to enhance internal democracy within political parties by ensuring inclusive participation of both women and men in political processes,” he said.
CPA Executive Director Ter Manyang emphasized that building a democratic nation starts from within political institutions.
“Internal democracy through the active participation of both men and women helps shape the national system and promotes the practice of true democracy in our country,” he said.
He added that the foundation of a democratic society lies in citizen participation, equality, political tolerance, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
As South Sudan continues its journey toward peace and stability, the CPA urged all political stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that internal party reforms reflect the principles of inclusivity, dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
Regional elections were held in Southern Sudan between 11 and 15 April 2010 as part of the Sudanese general election. Till now the country has been governed by a transitional government that came about due to the 2013 conflict.
However, South Sudan plans to hold its first general elections in December 2026, following multiple delays since independence in 2011.
Initially scheduled for 2023, the elections were postponed to allow time for a national census, drafting a permanent constitution, and political party registration.