Authorities in Jonglei State on Wednesday launched a civic and voter education campaign ahead of planned December 2026 elections, as the country presses ahead with preparations for its first national vote since independence despite mounting security, logistical and political challenges.
The campaign, launched at Bor Freedom Square, is part of nationwide efforts by electoral authorities to educate citizens about their voting rights and responsibilities and encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process.
South Sudan is due to hold elections in December under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war. The vote has been repeatedly postponed since independence in 2011, while opposition parties, civil society groups and international observers have questioned whether conditions are conducive for credible elections, citing insecurity, delays in implementing the peace deal and funding constraints.
Speaking at the launch, Jonglei State High Elections Committee Chairperson Tuor Majok Guech said the campaign was intended to ensure eligible voters understood the electoral process and were equipped to participate effectively.
“No eligible voter should be left behind because of a lack of information,” Tuor said, urging political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and community leaders to help spread voter education across the state.
Governor Riek Gai Kok said the planned elections would offer South Sudanese an opportunity to elect their leaders through the ballot for the first time since the country gained independence after overwhelmingly voting for secession in the 2011 referendum.
“Now the power is being returned to the people to choose their leaders,” he said.
State authorities said voter education activities would be rolled out across Jonglei in the coming months, providing information on voter registration, electoral rights and responsibilities, and the importance of peaceful participation ahead of the December polls.
The campaign comes as election preparations continue across South Sudan, although significant hurdles remain, including insecurity in several parts of the country, limited funding for electoral institutions and delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, including security reforms and other transitional arrangements considered essential for credible elections.
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