 has raised serious concerns over the slow progress in South Sudan’s preparations for its 2026 general elections, particularly the lack of funding for the National Election Commission (NEC).){kind=link}
By Otto Abut | CRN
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has raised serious concerns over the slow progress in South Sudan’s preparations for its 2026 general elections, particularly the lack of funding for the National Election Commission (NEC).
CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani expressed frustration that, as of October, the NEC had yet to receive government funding to kickstart critical pre-election activities—despite earlier assurances from President Salva Kiir that resources would be allocated.
“Funding the National Election Commission is a key benchmark for measuring the government’s political will and commitment to democratic processes,” Yakani said. “If there’s genuine intent to conduct free and fair elections, then resources must be released in a timely manner.”
Yakani warned that continued delays risk undermining public trust in the government’s stated commitment to holding elections as scheduled in December 2026.
“It appears that the leadership’s public pronouncements on elections are not matched by action,” he said. “What some leaders are saying about elections may not reflect their true intentions.”
He made a direct appeal to the President, urging immediate intervention to ensure funding is released.
“We respectfully call on Your Excellency to act on the decision to fund the NEC. Without timely support, the country’s roadmap to elections is at serious risk,” Yakani stressed.
In addition to funding challenges, Yakani emphasized the importance of resolving ongoing security issues to ensure credible elections. He cited recent clashes between forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) as a major concern.
“To hold credible elections, the violence between SPLM-IO and SSPDF must be de-escalated,” he said. “Moreover, other armed groups—especially those signatory to the revitalized peace agreement—should not be ignored. They continue to pose a threat if not actively engaged.”
Yakani advocated for the use of the Tumaini Initiative—a dialogue and reconciliation framework as a platform to address tensions with armed opposition groups.
According to CEPO’s assessment, the overall level of preparedness for the 2026 polls remains critically low.
“Time is not waiting for the National Election Commission,” Yakani warned. “Every delay makes the December 2026 timeline more uncertain.”