South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Media Authority, in collaboration with the National Communication Authority, held a validation workshop on Wednesday to discuss the media communication strategy for the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Elijah Alier Kuai, the Managing Director of the Media Authority,said that the strategy aims to foster a transparent, inclusive, and well-informed electoral process.
“This strategy is not just a document; it is a roadmap that will guide our actions and inform our decisions throughout the electoral period. One of our key objectives is to serve as a vital link with the National Election Commission, facilitating transparent media coverage and ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines and regulations,” Kuai remarked during the workshop’s opening at Telecom House.
“Our commitment to a transparent and fair electoral process is firmly grounded in the policy and legal framework. By establishing clear media election guidelines for journalists, politicians, civil society organizations, and the general public, we aim to uphold the principles of transparency and fairness throughout the election,” he said.
George Lemi, the spokesperson for the National Election Commission (NEC), noted that the media communication strategy for the general election aligns with preparations for the conduct of the 2026 elections.
“This communication strategy demonstrates that the country is progressing in its preparations for the upcoming December 2026 election. During the election, there is a lot of disinformation and misinformation. This strategy will help the media, journalists, and civil society organizations understand how to conduct themselves during the election process,” Lemi stated.
Oliver Mori Benjamin, the spokesman for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, emphasized that South Sudan has sufficient experience in conducting elections prior to independence.
Benjamin suggested that hindrances related to the Election Act or Political Parties Act should be amended to ensure elections are conducted at every level, including mobilization, registration, polling, and declaration of results.
James Akol Zakayo, chairperson of the Political Parties Council (PPC), said that the strategy document related to elections is essential for accurate and responsible information sharing during the election cycle.
“The moment you start it right, you don’t allow the streets to dictate the information. It should come from credible media, not social media. Credible media must be accredited. We need to filter them and ensure we have accredited media. We should also be cautious of artificial intelligence and social media. Having one channel of communication will help us obtain reliable information,” Zakayo added.
David Yau Yau, the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, said that a well-informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy.
He emphasized that the strategy must prioritize the dissemination of accurate, balanced, and timely information to all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public.
“In South Sudan, as we navigate this pivotal moment in our country’s history, a robust and well-articulated media strategy is not merely desirable. The Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services recognizes the indispensable role of the media in shaping public discourse and facilitating democratic participation,” said Yau Yau.
“This strategy, which you will be reviewing and validating today, is designed to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that all electoral processes are open and accessible to the public. It aims to facilitate inclusive participation by reaching all segments of our society, including remote communities, through diverse media platforms. Additionally, it seeks to combat misinformation by safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes through accurate and timely information, fostering a peaceful and conducive environment by encouraging responsible reporting,” he concluded.
