South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
A recent national survey on the transitional process in South Sudan reveals that citizens remain committed to seeing elections held in 2026, even as confidence in the peace process declines and security perceptions vary widely across the country.
The project is implemented by Detcro Research and Advisory for the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep), funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and for the European Union-funded Raising Civil Voices project, implemented by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), CEPO, and CIGPJ.
Jackline Nasiwa, the Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ), said that the perception survey indicates that citizens of South Sudan want elections.
“The survey shows that the people of South Sudan want to exercise their democratic rights through elections, so it is a challenge for the political leaders and the government to ensure that proper elections are held,” said Nasiwa.
Nasiwa added that there is little space for political parties, civil society activists, and citizens to express themselves, emphasising the need to create a conducive environment for people to exercise their will and democratic rights.
“The government is aware of what citizens want; they now need to ensure that the electoral process is not politicised or delayed. We want to see voter registration and civic education taking place so that citizens understand the political process,” she said.
Alimure Ali, the program manager for Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Sudan, stated that citizens have called for elections to be conducted as scheduled in December 2026 without further delay.
“Despite concerns about potential violence, citizens overwhelmingly want elections to proceed without further delays. Many fear instability but express a deep commitment to participating in the democratic process,” said Ali.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), said that the survey regarding public perceptions of the country’s political transitional process indicates that citizens are demanding elections without delays.
“The majority, over 60 percent, say they need elections and also state that elections require good conditions. They believe that the unification of forces and the creation of a conducive security sector are vital for them to go to the polling station,” said Yakani.
“The survey shows that citizens are losing trust and confidence in their current incumbent government due to its prolonged stay in power and its inability to consolidate peace and security in the country,” Yakani added.
