SOUTH SUDAN: BEYOND THE POLITICAL EXCITEMENTA Civic and Institutional Accountability Statement

By Ernest Ogwaro

(Pachodo.org) - Social media is buzzing. Political campaigns are attracting attention, and red clothing seems to be trending among our fellow South Sudanese. It is certainly good business for clothing sellers!

But beyond the colours, campaign messages, and political excitement, our nation deserves answers to fundamental questions about the credibility, transparency, and preparedness of the electoral process.

With the general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026, we must look beyond political enthusiasm and examine whether the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure a credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.

WHERE IS OUR NATIONAL CENSUS?

The recent amendments to the electoral framework have removed the national census as a prerequisite for holding elections. However, an important question remains: How will the authorities establish reliable electoral data without an updated national population census?

A census and a voters’ register serve different purposes. Although elections can proceed without a new census, transparent electoral planning, reliable demographic information, and verifiable registration procedures remain essential.

WHERE IS THE CREDIBLE VOTERS’ REGISTER?

How will the National Elections Commission register eligible citizens across all ten states and the three administrative areas within the available time?

What safeguards will prevent duplicate registration, impersonation, and the exclusion of eligible citizens, particularly those living in remote communities and displaced populations?

Alternative identification procedures may help citizens without national identity cards or passports participate. However, those procedures must be transparent, consistently applied, and protected against abuse.

The central question is simple: How will the commission demonstrate that the final voters’ register is accurate, inclusive, and independently verifiable?

WHO WILL GUARANTEE AN INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL PROCESS?

The National Elections Commission has a responsibility to administer elections impartially and transparently.

But legal provisions alone are not enough. Citizens and political parties must have confidence that the commission can perform its duties independently and that all candidates will be treated fairly.

What mechanisms will allow political parties, election observers, civil society, and citizens to scrutinise voter registration, polling procedures, vote counting, and the announcement of results?

WHO WILL RESOLVE A DISPUTED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

Imagine a situation in which two presidential candidates both claim victory.

Which competent judicial institution will determine the lawful outcome? Will the courts have the necessary independence and authority to resolve the dispute fairly? Will the competing parties have confidence in the process and respect the final lawful determination?

These questions must be addressed before polling day, not after political tensions have escalated.

A credible electoral framework requires clear procedures for challenging results, examining evidence, and resolving disputes peacefully through lawful institutions.

ARE WE PREPARED TO PROTECT NATIONAL PEACE?

An election is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a national process requiring adequate preparation, public participation, security, transparency, and institutional accountability.

South Sudan must ensure that eligible citizens can participate freely, political parties can compete peacefully, and electoral grievances can be addressed through lawful channels.

No political ambition should be allowed to place innocent lives at risk.

MY APPEAL TO SOUTH SUDANESE CITIZENS AND POLITICAL LEADERS

These questions are not intended to discourage elections or deny any citizen the right to contest for public office. They are legitimate questions of civic responsibility and institutional accountability.

Our people deserve more than campaign colours, competing declarations of victory, and political promises. They deserve institutions they can trust, procedures they can understand, and an electoral outcome supported by transparent and verifiable processes.

An election is not credible simply because voting takes place. Its credibility depends on the integrity of voter registration, the fairness of the campaign, the transparency of counting, the impartiality of dispute resolution, and the public’s confidence in the results.

The responsibility for building that confidence rests with the electoral authorities, the government, political parties, candidates, civil society, and all citizens.

Let us demand answers without promoting hostility. Let us exercise our political rights without undermining the rights of others. Above all, let us remember that the future of South Sudan is more important than the ambitions of any individual or political organisation.

OUR POLITICAL DIFFERENCES MUST NEVER BECOME A THREAT TO OUR NATIONAL PEACE.

I rest my case.

Ernest Ogwaro
Independent Political Commentator