More than 30 youth, students, and civil society activists in Yambio County have completed a one-day workshop on inclusive elections awareness, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with the Office of the Elections Commission in Western Equatoria State (WES).
The training, held on Wednesday at Tourist Hotel in Yambio, aimed to equip participants with knowledge and skills on civic engagement, electoral participation, and inclusivity ahead of South Sudan’s planned 2026 general elections — the country’s first since independence.
Speaking during the opening session, Simon Bakama, Chairperson of the State Elections Commission, said the workshop was intended to empower young people and community members with a deeper understanding of their electoral rights and responsibilities.
“It is now the duty of the youth to educate their communities about elections and the importance of choosing their leaders, from the presidency down to the boma level,” Bakama said.
Meanwhile, Simon Sarawasi, Spokesperson for the High-Level Elections Commission in the state, said the initiative targets youth and civil society groups as key partners in promoting voter education and public participation.
“Youth and CSOs are vital ambassadors in disseminating credible election information and mobilizing citizens to take part in the process,” Sarawasi noted.
Representing civil society, Michael Dakpara Peter, Executive Director of Care Humanity Organization, appreciated the training for building participants’ capacity to strengthen democracy through awareness and engagement.
“Elections are not a one-day event; they begin with civic education. Every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote and choose their leaders,” Dakpara said.
For his part, Dr. Sonny Onyebula, Team Leader from the UNMISS Human Rights Office in Western Equatoria State, commended the participants’ enthusiasm and highlighted the importance of youth involvement in ensuring peaceful and inclusive governance.
“This country belongs to the youth. You have the right to vote, to be elected, and to mobilize others to participate in the electoral process,” he emphasized.
The one-day workshop concluded with a call for continuous civic education and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure inclusive, peaceful, and credible elections in 2026 — marking South Sudan’s first national vote since 2010.