The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has welcomed the National Election Commission’s (NEC) launch of a nationwide voter education campaign, describing it as a significant milestone toward South Sudan’s planned general elections in December 2026.
The voter education campaign was officially launched in Juba on Sunday under the theme, “Your Vote is Your Future,” to prepare citizens to participate in the country’s first elections in more than a decade.
Yakani said voter education is a critical component of the electoral process but emphasized that it must be accompanied by a peaceful political environment to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.
“The launch of the voter education campaign is an important step in preparing citizens for the electoral process. However, voter education alone is not enough,” he said. “It must be supported by a peaceful political environment that allows citizens to participate freely and confidently.”
While commending the NEC for fulfilling its constitutional mandate, Yakani urged political leaders to demonstrate similar commitment by reaching a national consensus on holding elections as the legitimate and peaceful means of transferring power.
He also called on the government to address legal uncertainties surrounding the electoral process and ensure adequate and timely funding for voter registration and other key electoral activities.
“Political leaders have a responsibility to build consensus around elections as the constitutional and legitimate means of transferring power. They must also resolve outstanding legal issues and provide the resources needed for the electoral process to move forward,” he said.
Yakani further expressed concern over the security situation in parts of the country, warning that ongoing political tensions could undermine preparations for the December 2026 polls.
He stressed the need for sustained political dialogue and restraint among leaders to prevent instability that could derail the electoral process.
“The current political and security tensions remain a serious concern. Dialogue, compromise, and peaceful engagement are essential to creating an environment where the National Election Commission can effectively implement its mandate and where citizens can safely exercise their democratic rights,” Yakani said.
He appealed to political leaders to avoid actions that could inflame tensions and instead prioritize peace and dialogue, saying a stable environment is essential for successful elections and for strengthening democracy in South Sudan.
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