{"id":46286,"date":"2026-07-22T14:57:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T12:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onecitizendaily.com\/?p=46286"},"modified":"2026-07-22T15:01:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T13:01:42","slug":"opinion-the-role-of-traditional-leaders-in-south-sudans-upcoming-elections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onecitizendaily.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/22\/opinion-the-role-of-traditional-leaders-in-south-sudans-upcoming-elections\/","title":{"rendered":"OPINION: The role of traditional leaders in South Sudan’s upcoming elections"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Mogga Charles Guya<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

As South Sudan prepares for its upcoming general elections, community cultural and traditional leaders have a vital responsibility to remain neutral, impartial, and above partisan politics. Their respected position within society gives them the unique ability to unite communities rather than divide them along political, ethnic, or regional lines.<\/p>\n

Traditional leaders are custodians of culture, moral values, and social harmony. During this electoral period, they should serve as ambassadors of peace by encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and respect for democratic processes. Their voices should inspire citizens to reject violence, hate speech, tribalism, and electoral intimidation while embracing peaceful coexistence and national unity.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, traditional institutions should champion reconciliation among communities that have been affected by years of conflict. By promoting forgiveness, mutual understanding, and community-based conflict resolution, they can help build public confidence in a peaceful electoral process and contribute to lasting national stability.<\/p>\n

The upcoming elections should not be viewed as a contest between communities but as a constitutional opportunity for the people of South Sudan to freely choose their leaders. Cultural and traditional leaders should therefore encourage every citizen to participate peacefully, respect the rule of law, and accept credible election outcomes through legal and constitutional means.<\/p>\n

A peaceful election is a shared national responsibility. When traditional leaders remain neutral and actively advocate for peace, unity, coexistence, and reconciliation, they strengthen the foundation for a stable, democratic, and prosperous South Sudan.<\/p>\n

“Let our cultural heritage unite us, not divide us. Let our traditions become instruments of peace, justice, and national reconciliation for generations to come.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About the Author:<\/em><\/p>\n

Hon. Mogga Charles Guya<\/em><\/p>\n

Secretary for Foreign Affairs, South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC)<\/em><\/p>\n

Juba, Republic of South Sudan<\/em><\/p>\n

Email: ssnmcjuba@gmail.com<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Disclaimer:<\/strong> Any opinion published on our platforms does not represent the views of the company or its editorial policy.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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