The project is being implemented by Detcro Research and Advisory for the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep), funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and by the European Union-funded Raising Civil Voices project, implemented by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), CEPO, and CIGPJ.
Jackline Nasiwa, the Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ), said the perception survey on elections indicates that the citizens of South Sudan want elections.
“The survey shows that the people of South Sudan want to exercise their democratic rights through elections, so it is a challenge for the political leaders and the government to ensure that proper elections are held,” said Nasiwa.
Nasiwa noted that there is no space for political parties, civil society activists, and citizens to express themselves, adding that there is a need to create a conducive environment for the people to exercise their will and their democratic rights.
“The government has heard what citizens want; they now need to ensure that the electoral process is not politicised and delayed. We want to see voter registration taking place and civic education occurring so that citizens can understand the political process,” she said.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), stated that the survey around public perceptions of the country’s political transitional process indicates that citizens are demanding elections be held without delays.
“The majority, which is over 60 per cent, say they need elections, and they also say that elections require good conditions. They believe that the unification of forces and the creation of a conducive security sector are very important for them to go to the polling station,” said Yakani.
“The survey shows that citizens are losing trust and confidence in their incumbent government due to overstaying in power, which has led to an inability to consolidate peace and security in the country,” said Yakani.
Alimure Ali, the Programme Manager for Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Sudan, stated that the citizens of South Sudan have called for elections to be conducted as scheduled for December 2026 without further delay.
“Despite concerns about potential violence, citizens overwhelmingly want elections to proceed without further delays. Many fear instabilities but express a deep commitment to participating in the democratic process,” said Ali.
