Former South Sudanese lawmaker David Aruai De-Dau has called for greater political inclusion and protection of civic space ahead of the country’s planned December 2026 elections, as he seeks to contest a seat in the National Legislative Assembly as an independent candidate representing Twic East County in Jonglei State.
De-Dau, who represented Constituency No. 10 in Twic East County under the 2018 peace agreement, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that he would run independently, citing divisions within his party and the wider opposition alliance.
He said he had served in parliament since 2020 representing the South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC), a member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
“I have been an MP since 2020 representing a party, South Sudan National Movement for Change, but not my people,” De-Dau said. “I thought it worth running as an independent candidate because my own party and SSOA as a whole suffered division, and that division is not good for my own or family legacy.”
De-Dau, who previously served on parliament’s Specialized Standing Committee on Regional Integration and East African Affairs, said he is seeking a five-year term to pursue development projects without party bureaucracy.
His priorities, if elected, would include improving peace and security, controlling floods through the proposed Bor-Khorfulus highway dyke project, promoting land-use planning and resettlement, and developing self-contained administrative units known as bomas.
De-Dau said he is confident of his support among grassroots communities but questioned whether the broader electoral process would be inclusive.
“The fact that there may be election in December is something to be responded to. As for its fairness, it depends on the level of participation because, as an MP, I will be elected by my people whom I trust,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the presidential race, citing what he described as restrictions on the movement of presidential aspirant Kornelio Kon Ngu.
“For the presidential election, of course there is unfairness, as we saw with the barring of presidential aspirant Kon Ngu from travelling,” De-Dau said.
“I will not conclusively say that the election will be free or fair. But what I can confidently say is that it will not be an inclusive one,” he added.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections in December 2026, a vote expected to test the country’s political transition amid continuing concerns over political participation and the conditions required for a credible electoral process.
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