UNMISS Boosts Election Awareness in Lakes State

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has launched an inclusive election awareness workshop in Lakes State, bringing together 33 participants from diverse community groups to prepare for the 2026 polls.

 “An election is a democratic process of selecting individuals for public office to lead communities worldwide. This is what it means, and the international community is galvanised to support inclusivity at all levels for the upcoming elections in South Sudan in December 2026,” said Benjamin Kabak Bakam, UNMISS police commander in Lakes State, during the workshop’s opening on Friday.

He emphasised the necessity for citizens to engage constructively in the electoral process, promoting inclusive and peaceful democratic involvement within their communities.

“The workshop aims to collect data and insights from pilot workshops and dialogue sessions that will inform the public and guide the design of long-term civic engagement programmes ahead of the 2026 general election in the Republic of South Sudan,” he stated.

“Furthermore, ensuring inclusivity in the election will significantly enhance the credibility of discussions surrounding the South Sudan elections. Given the current political, economic, and security situation, the upcoming election is indeed achievable, and this workshop serves as a building block for successful democratic elections in South Sudan,” Bakam added.

Prof. Khot Kuonin, the state chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC) in Lakes State, remarked that elections are the primary mechanism for democratically choosing representatives of public interest across the globe.

“There are numerous elections in South Sudan, including at the national level for the presidential post and the national assembly, as well as state-level elections for governors, state assembly members, and local-level positions such as mayors, municipal/county councillors, and county commissioners, all of which should be elected according to the National Election Commission and Local Government Act, rather than being appointed by state governors,” he explained.

Kuonin further noted that elections are crucial for the government’s transition from war to peace, encouraging accountability and ensuring inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making practices at all levels.

 He also highlighted how elections strengthen the link between citizens and elected officials.

“Participants were selected from various groups, including the media, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, women’s associations, teachers, and youth representing different political parties. The workshop tasked these groups with promoting integrity in the upcoming general election, free from bribery, threats, and tribalism,” said Kuonin.

However, Mr. Agolder Alfred Mathok, deputy chairperson of the National Election Commission in Lakes State, warned of the risks of exclusion during the election process.

He pointed out that women face structural, social, and political barriers, resulting in their underrepresentation in South Sudan, despite their large population share.

“Additionally, individuals with disabilities encounter physical and informational barriers, while ethnic and religious minorities experience discrimination and marginalisation. Internally displaced persons and refugees are often excluded due to documentation issues and geographical challenges, as are rural and remote populations, who face obstacles related to distance and limited infrastructure. These issues are not unique to South Sudan but are observed globally.”

He stated that citizens have civil responsibilities, including the right to participate in democracy, protect their rights, vote, run for office, obey laws, promote peace, hold leaders accountable, express themselves freely, and access information.

“Youth play a key role during elections as observers and peace ambassadors, helping to reduce tensions in communities, mobilising voter turnout, and representing their concerns to authorities,” Mathok concluded.