Wau Residents Express Doubts Over Credibility of Planned National Elections

By David Philip Baguru 

Citizens in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have raised concerns over the credibility of the anticipated national elections, citing delays in the full implementation of key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Speaking during a political awareness program aired on Voice of Hope Radio, several callers expressed uncertainty over whether the upcoming elections would be free, fair, and credible under the current political and security conditions.

One of the citizens said the peace agreement has not been fully implemented, noting that the number of armed groups has increased while many soldiers remain in cantonment sites awaiting integration or final arrangements.

He further argued that conducting elections based on the 2010 constituency framework would be unfair, saying some constituencies no longer exist in their previous form.

Another caller questioned the feasibility of holding elections under the current circumstances, saying the process would not produce fair and credible outcomes. He suggested that it would be better to postpone elections if they would not result in meaningful political change.

He further urged citizens to remain hopeful and “depend on God Almighty,” citing continued hardship and lack of visible improvements in people’s living conditions.

A third citizen noted that many South Sudanese remain uncertain about the planned December 2026 elections, pointing to incomplete implementation of provisions under the 2018 peace agreement, particularly Chapter Three.

He said several critical tasks remain outstanding and must be addressed before elections can be held. He emphasized that while citizens may be ready to vote, the environment must first be peaceful, secure, and guarantee freedom of expression.

The citizens collectively called on the transitional government and parties to the peace agreement to fully implement the remaining provisions and create a stable, peaceful, and enabling environment ahead of the anticipated national elections.