JUBA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) on Monday launched a nationwide civic and voter education campaign, describing it as a critical milestone in preparing citizens for South Sudan’s anticipated December 2026 general elections.
Dr. James Wani Igga, the Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, stated that the voter education exercise will promote transparency, reduce disputes, and contribute to peaceful elections.
“Voter education promotes transparency, strengthens public confidence, reduces disputes, and contributes to peaceful, credible elections. I encourage every eligible citizen in urban or rural communities to participate in elections,” said Igga during the launch of the Civic and Voter Education campaign in Juba.
“Civic and voter education is the foundation upon which free, fair, and credible elections are built. We must make voter registration a priority, as this is going to be the first general election,” Igga added.
The Civic and Voter Education Campaign aims to raise awareness about voting rights and electoral procedures, and to encourage informed and active citizen participation in a peaceful democratic process.
Prof.Abednego Akok Kacuol, the Chairperson of the National Election Commission, said the civic education and voter registration exercise is designed to ensure that all citizens are informed about the scheduled upcoming general elections.
“We have formally launched the civic and voter education campaign. The campaign is strictly non-partisan and designed to ensure that all eligible citizens understand the process and can participate effectively,” said Kacuol.
Kacuol clarified that the voter education campaign is not intended for political parties or individual leaders, but is a fundamental drive to ensure every eligible citizen understands their responsibilities.
“As the National Election Commission, we are committed to ensuring that citizens have the information and knowledge necessary to exercise their rights and participate effectively in the coming election,” he said.
Philip Jiben, the Secretary General of the United Sudan African Party (USAP), said the launch of the civic and voter education campaign indicates that South Sudanese will certainly cast their ballots in December 2026.
“The Civic and Voter Education Campaign launched by the National Election Commission indicates that South Sudan is going to hold elections. We want the elections to be free, fair, and peaceful,” said Jiben.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called on regional and international partners to step up political, technical, and financial support for South Sudan’s electoral preparations, warning that sustained assistance will be critical to ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections scheduled for December 2026.
RJMEC Chief of Staff Amb. Berhanu Kebede appealed to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), development partners, and the wider international community to maintain and, where possible, increase their support for South Sudan’s democratic transition.
“In this regard, RJMEC also appeals to regional and international partners, including IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations, development partners, and the wider international community, to continue and, where possible, strengthen their support for South Sudan’s electoral preparations,” Kebede said.
