(JUBA) – Civil society organisations, media outlets, and faith-based groups have signed a joint communique expressing their commitment to support the work of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) as the country prepares for its long-delayed elections.
The communique was issued at the end of a two day roundtable dialogue held in Juba, jointly organised by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) and the NEC. The event was supported by the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team, which is providing technical and logistical backing to the electoral process.
Participants in the dialogue, representing a cross-section of non-governmental actors, agreed to promote transparent communication, encourage civic education, and press for immediate political dialogue aimed at facilitating credible elections.
The roundtable also addressed key concerns over the current electoral environment, especially the lack of funding, limited political will, and delays in legal and institutional preparations. Stakeholders acknowledged that without urgent action, South Sudan’s plans for a peaceful democratic transition could be at risk.
CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani said the coalition of civil society, media, and religious institutions would now coordinate efforts to lobby for electoral readiness.
“We are committed to working together to demand clear and urgent action from the government,” Yakani said. “This includes ensuring transparent sharing of information with the public and advocating for adequate funding to enable the electoral process.”
The communique specifically calls for:
| Key Priority | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Political Dialogue | Immediate engagement among political actors |
| Electoral Funding | Timely release of financial resources |
| Public Communication | Clear and factual updates on election plans |
| Stakeholder Collaboration | Civil society and media working in unity |
| Electoral Preparedness | Support for NEC operations and logistics |
Participants further emphasised the need for peaceful engagement among citizens, political tolerance and free access to information. They pledged to work in partnership with the NEC to help educate the public on voter rights, electoral procedures and the importance of non violence.
The dialogue comes amid continued uncertainty over South Sudan’s electoral timetable, with many observers warning that without urgent reforms and financial commitment, the national polls risk being delayed again. South Sudan has not held national elections since independence in 2011.
As of July 2025, the NEC is still awaiting the disbursement of necessary funds, with electoral preparations hindered by both logistical and political bottlenecks. The pledged support from civil society and media is seen as a positive step towards building trust and ensuring public participation.
The stakeholders’ communique concluded by urging both the government and international partners to prioritise electoral readiness as a foundation for sustainable peace and democratic governance.
