South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Director General for Public Outreach and External Relations at the National Elections Commission (NEC), Barnaba Mayor Deng, has called on the youth of South Sudan to take an active role in the democratic process.
He emphasised that civic education is an ongoing effort crucial for empowering young people to meaningfully contribute to the country’s democratic development.
“We want to educate and empower youth, women, persons with disabilities, and all eligible voters about their political rights to vote, to elect, and to be elected. Our Constitution and the National Elections Act grant every citizen this right,” Deng said on Thursday during the opening of a youth dialogue on practical tools for public engagement, aimed at promoting youth participation in elections and civic life in South Sudan. The event was organised by the Democracy Reporting International (DRI), in partnership with the UN Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) and with support from the European Union (EU).
Deng explained that democracy in South Sudan is rooted in decentralisation, allowing citizens to participate at multiple levels of governance.
“We have three levels of government — federal, state, and local — all of which are part of a democratic system,” he said. “Citizens must understand how these systems operate, as elections are a vital part of government.”
He noted that the NEC has developed six civic education modules focusing on democracy, elections, human rights, peacebuilding, inclusive participation, and governance. These modules are designed to enhance citizens’ understanding of their role in a democratic society.
Emphasising the importance of youth engagement, Deng pointed out that young people constitute over 75 percent of South Sudan’s population.
“Youth will play a central role in the upcoming elections, both as voters and as candidates,” he said. “Those aged 18 and above can vote, and individuals from 21 years can contest for seats in parliament.”
He encouraged young people to join political parties, stating that participation in party structures would increase their chances of being actively involved in national decision-making.
Meanwhile, Alimure Ali Amwuda, Program Manager at Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, urged youth to take the initiative in shaping the country’s future.
“As young people, seize every opportunity,” he said. “Be politically, socially, and economically active. The future is now, not tomorrow.”
Amwuda added that his organisation, through its EU-funded “Raising Civil Voices” project, aims to close the gender gap in political participation by encouraging young women to enter leadership roles.
“We seek to minimise the significant gap between male and female political participation in South Sudan,” he concluded.