South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Jenifer James
The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has asked the transitional unity government to prioritize key reforms and ensure adequate preparations for the December 2026 elections.
Yakani expressed deep concerns over the on-going political stagnation, pointing out that South Sudan has seen five years of slow progress toward a successful transition.
“This prolonged delay has eroded public confidence,” he said in a statement issued on Friday in Juba.
Yakani urged President Salva Kiir to use his upcoming address ushering the New Year, to outline a clear and actionable roadmap for the extended transitional period, adding that this is the final opportunity for meaningful change.
He placed the burden of ensuring credible elections squarely on South Sudan’s top leadership.
“If elections fail in 2026, the blame will rest with you the President, Vice Presidents, and senior leaders for failing to show political will and allocate the necessary resources,” said Yakani.
He also highlighted the importance of fostering an open and inclusive political environment to ensure the elections are credible.
“Citizens need at least one year of civic education to participate meaningfully in the elections. Restricting civic engagement will undermine the entire process,” said Yakani.
He emphasized the need for peace and credible elections to guide South Sudan through a successful transition.
“The leadership is undergoing a test. Use this opportunity to ensure a peaceful transition of power through credible elections,” said Yakani.
In September, 2024, the Presidency agreed to extend the transitional period by two more years, leading to delay of elections that were due in December 2024 till December 2026.
The presidency cited the need for more time to implement all the critical outstanding peace tasks under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.