Civil society says South Sudan elections are premature
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eye Radio
The South Sudan Civil Society Forum says the country is not ready to hold credible and inclusive general elections on 22 December 2026. It is calling for urgent dialogue on electoral preparations, including voter registration, the timetable and logistics, according to Eye Radio.
The South Sudan Civil Society Forum says the conditions are not in place to hold credible, peaceful and inclusive general elections on 22 December 2026. In a statement issued on Wednesday 28 October, after a consultative meeting in Juba, it called for urgent dialogue on electoral preparations and the political transition, reports Eye Radio.
Less than two months before the vote, the electoral timetable, voter registration, civic education, candidacies, the procurement of materials and logistical organisation still need to be prepared, according to the Forum. It also cites restrictions affecting civic, political and media spaces, persistent insecurity and difficulties accessing certain areas.
The Forum warns that a vote held without sufficient preparations could erode public confidence, deepen divisions and jeopardise the transition. It calls on the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), together with the parties to the South Sudan peace agreement and other stakeholders, to convene an inclusive dialogue and establish a roadmap setting out the timetable, costs and responsibilities.
This position follows earlier civil society calls for urgent measures before the South Sudan elections, made on 3 October. On 22 October, IGAD also took stock of electoral preparations in South Sudan.
