The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) has said that current conditions in South Sudan do not support the conduct of fair, credible, peaceful, inclusive, and legitimate democratic elections within the remaining timeframe.
The Forum reached the conclusion during its second consultative meeting convened on Electoral Preparedness in Juba from 22 to 23 October 2026, which brought together representatives of civil society, youth, women, academia and faith groups to assess the country’s readiness for the general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026.
“It therefore calls for an inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on electoral preparedness and the way forward for the transition, with the Forum meaningfully included as a representative of civil society and citizens,” the statement reads in part. “The Forum is deeply concerned that with fewer than 60 days to the scheduled elections, critical preparations and funding remain outstanding, including the electoral calendar, voter registration and civic education, candidate nominations, procurement of electoral materials and logistical arrangements.”
“These gaps are compounded by restricted civic, political and media space, persistent insecurity, difficult terrain, accessibility constraints and a lack of demonstrated political leadership,” the statement added.
The Forum said elections held without adequate preparations risk eroding public confidence, deepening divisions and setting back the transition they are meant to complete.
“The Forum emphasizes that decisions on the transition rest with the parties and the people of South Sudan through a transparent and participatory process,” the statement said. “As a representative of civil society and the voice of citizens, the Forum affirms its role as an active stakeholder in this dialogue and its commitment to ensuring that the transition reflects the aspirations of the South Sudanese people.”
The Forum called on the African Union and IGAD, in consultation with the parties to the R-ARCSS, holdout groups, the Caretaker Government, civil society, women, youth, faith leaders and other stakeholders, to urgently convene an inclusive dialogue to agree on the conditions and arrangements necessary for credible elections.
“The dialogue should produce a clear, costed roadmap with agreed timelines and responsibilities for concluding the transition, with the Forum meaningfully included as a representative of civil society and citizens,” the statement said. “SSCSF reaffirms its commitment to supporting inclusive dialogue and citizen engagement towards a peaceful transition that culminates in inclusive and credible elections, with a clear roadmap.”
The Forum said it remains resolute in its role as a stakeholder and partner in shaping a democratic, peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.
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