Legislators and civil society leaders in Western Equatoria state agree on the importance of South Sudan’s planned December 2026 elections but differ on the essential prerequisites for a credible vote.
The elections, if held, would be a landmark event for the world’s youngest nation, which has not held a national vote since gaining independence in 2011.
In interviews with Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, state assembly members highlighted different priorities.
Martin Ngoromu, a representative for Maridi County from the SPLM, stressed the fundamental right to choose leaders. “The people of South Sudan deserve the right to choose their own leaders. Appointments do not reflect the true will of the citizens,” Ngoromu said.
Echoing the potential for transformative change, Julia John, a representative for Tambura County from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), linked elections to improved governance.
“If elections are conducted, there will be change. Youth, women, and civil servants will have their rights respected,” she said, citing unpaid salaries and lack of basic rights.
However, a key point of divergence emerged regarding preparation. Martin Daskoko Dumbata, representing the opposition SPLM-IO, insisted a national population census is a non-negotiable first step.
“Without a census, elections cannot be properly conducted,” Dumbata told Radio Tamazuj, arguing credible data is essential for voter registration and planning.
Civil society leaders united in calling for urgent action from the national government. Joseph Ndani, Deputy Secretary-General of Civil Society in Western Equatoria State, said elections would foster accountability.
“Elections will bring a working government where leaders are answerable to the people,” he said.
Wanga Emmanuel, Chairperson of Civil Society in the state, directly linked funding to political will. “Civil society in Western Equatoria stands united in calling for timely, credible, and fully funded elections,” he said, calling on the government to urgently finance the National Elections Commission.
Last month, the presidency and cabinet approved amendments to key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, delinking the December 2026 general elections from the permanent constitution-making process, a political census and other institutional reforms.
The amendments also included the removal of provisions stating that the 2018 peace agreement takes precedence over the constitution.
The 2018 peace deal, signed by President Kiir, detained First Vice President Riek Machar and other political leaders, has faced repeated delays, including missed election timelines. Elections have been postponed several times and are now scheduled for December 2026, despite objections from Machar loyalists who say the presidency-led consultations excluded them.