By Emmanuel Sule | Radio Bakhita |The Chairperson of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC), Hon. Gabriel Bol Deng, has met with His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla to discuss preparations for the country’s forthcoming elections and the role of the Catholic Church in promoting peace, dialogue and responsible civic participation.
The meeting comes amid major political changes in South Sudan ahead of the elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. On September 22, President Salva Kiir Mayardit dissolved the Transitional Government of National Unity and appointed a caretaker administration to oversee government affairs during the electoral period. The move followed amendments to the National Elections Act.
The NEC has said preparations for the elections are continuing, including work toward voter registration and civic and voter education.
Hon. Deng was accompanied by NEC Commissioner for Supervision of Political Parties and Relations, Hon. Josephine Achiro Fortelo, and Acting Secretary General, Mr. Ahon Malou.
During the meeting, Deng reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process, saying elections should contribute to national unity, public trust and responsible citizenship.
“Elections should not be viewed merely as the act of voting, but as a national process that should strengthen unity, peace, trust and responsible citizenship,” Deng said.
He stressed that the NEC cannot deliver the electoral process alone and called for cooperation among religious institutions, political parties, civil society, traditional leaders and citizens.
Cardinal Ameyu reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s support for democratic elections and urged political actors to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than violence.
“Leadership should ultimately derive its legitimacy from the people through an electoral process,” Cardinal Ameyu said.
The Cardinal encouraged political leaders and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
He also warned against the use of violence as a means of resolving political, social and economic differences.
“Our political, social and economic differences can be discussed and resolved peacefully. Guns should no longer be regarded as a means of resolving our disagreements,” he said.
The Church has repeatedly called for peace, dialogue and national unity ahead of the elections. In July, Catholic bishops urged political leaders to ensure that the electoral process is guided by dialogue, constitutional order, legal clarity and the common good, while calling on citizens to reject violence, hatred, misinformation and incitement.
The meeting between the NEC and Cardinal Ameyu highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between electoral authorities, the Church and other national stakeholders as South Sudan moves toward the December polls.
The NEC said such cooperation will be important in promoting peaceful participation, tolerance, national ownership and public confidence in the electoral process.