By Sabri Dibaco
South Sudanese civilians and civil society leaders are raising concerns over the planned December 22, 2026, general elections, citing insecurity, delayed voter registration, limited civic education and a lack of trust among political parties implementing the peace agreement.
With less than two months remaining before the scheduled polls, questions are growing over whether preparations can be completed in time to ensure credible, free, fair and peaceful elections.
In an interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Edmond Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), urged the country’s leadership to demonstrate political will and accelerate electoral preparations, warning that delays could undermine the credibility of the elections.
“Election is a popular demand of the citizens of South Sudan as the only viable option for honourable and peaceful transfer of power from one individual to another, from one group to another,” Yakani said.
He said preparations for voter registration appeared to be progressing, but time was running out.
“As we speak as of today, the preparation for the voter registration is almost getting there, but in terms of time, time is running too fast,” he said.
Yakani called for voter registration to be accelerated throughout November, alongside the recruitment and training of registration officials, delivery of electoral materials and timely release of funding to the National Elections Commission (NEC).
He also urged authorities to open political and civic space to enable political parties to engage in election-related activities.
“A speedy action and a demonstration of political will are needed within November to set a basis for the reliability or the reality towards the holding of the election as scheduled for December 2026,” he said.
Some women in Juba expressed concern about fellow women living in areas affected by continuing conflict and intercommunal violence, saying insecurity could prevent them from registering and voting.
Mama Kiden Awadia said persistent fighting and the presence of armed groups could restrict people’s movement.
“We want to vote and choose leaders who can bring peace to our communities. But when fighting and armed youth are moving around, people are afraid to travel to registration centers or polling stations,” she said.
Another woman from Gudele West expressed concern about delayed registration and inadequate information reaching citizens.
“Time is moving quickly, but people are still waiting for registration to begin. Many women need clear information about where to register, what documents to bring and when the process will start. The authorities must make these arrangements clear to everyone,” she said.
Their concerns highlight the need for improved security and accessible registration arrangements, particularly in communities affected by violence.
Emmanuel Khamis, a resident of Munuki, said political leaders must demonstrate commitment to the peace agreement and show readiness to accept the outcome of the elections.
“Our concern is whether the political parties genuinely trust one another and are ready to accept the outcome of an election. If there is no trust and the peace agreement is not fully implemented, people will continue to question whether the elections can bring stability,” Khamis said.
Meanwhile, Alfredo Amin called on the NEC and other relevant institutions to expand voter and civic education beyond Juba, particularly in rural communities.
“People need to know how to register, how voting will take place and why their participation matters. Civic education should reach the states, counties, payams and villages, not remain concentrated in the capital,” Amin said.
The NEC has said it is preparing for nationwide voter registration but faces financial and logistical constraints.
In an update reported on October 28, NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng said preparations were advancing and the commission intended to move quickly.
“Everything is set; we will launch it and move quickly to carry out the voter registration across the country,” Bol said.
He acknowledged shortages of resources for voter education, registration and logistical arrangements.
Bol also called on religious leaders to support public awareness, saying, “We need our religious leaders to play an important role, to guide our people, to sharpen them through this new democratic transition.”
The anticipated start of registration in early November leaves limited time for the commission to register voters and prepare citizens for polling day.
The government has continued to present the December elections as part of South Sudan’s transition towards elected leadership.
On September 22, President Salva Kiir signed amendments to election laws removing the requirement to complete a permanent constitution and national census before elections could proceed.
The African Union also reaffirmed support for peaceful, credible, inclusive and transparent elections scheduled for December 22 in a declaration issued on September 29.
It emphasised the need to advance implementation of the peace agreement and conclude the transitional period peacefully.
As the deadline approaches, civilians and civil society leaders are calling for urgent action on voter registration, civic education, security and political dialogue.
For many South Sudanese, the key question is whether all eligible citizens will have a genuine opportunity to participate safely and whether political leaders will respect the outcome of the vote.