As South Sudan prepares for its 2025 general elections, media professionals, civil society representatives, and government officials convened in Juba to validate a comprehensive media strategy aimed at ensuring transparency and informed electoral participation.
Speaking at the National Media Strategy Validation Workshop, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, David Yau Yau Jankuchi emphasized the urgent need for a robust media framework to foster accurate election reporting and public awareness.
He highlighted that the upcoming elections mark a crucial moment in South Sudan’s democratic journey and stressed the importance of establishing a structured and inclusive media communication strategy that guarantees reliable information for all stakeholders.
The workshop, themed “Unpacking the Elections Media Communication Matrix,” focused on refining South Sudan’s national media communication strategy for the 2025 elections.
Participants engaged in discussions on countering misinformation, promoting ethical journalism, and ensuring equitable access to election-related news.
Yau Yau reiterated the foundational role of the media in democracy, describing it as the primary channel for keeping citizens informed and engaged in governance, noting that “a well-informed electorate is essential for credible elections and underscored the need for balanced and timely dissemination of information to political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public.”
During the discussions, stakeholders examined ways to strengthen transparency and accountability in the electoral process while expanding outreach to marginalized communities to ensure inclusive participation.
They also explored strategies to combat misinformation and enhance fact-based reporting, with an emphasis on responsible journalism to foster a peaceful electoral environment.
Emphasizing the significance of the validation process, Yau Yau stated that this collaborative effort will lay the foundation for a strong and credible electoral communication framework that will guide media engagement in the lead-up to the elections.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accessibility, affirming that a well-structured media strategy will be instrumental in promoting an informed and engaged electorate.
While it remains uncertain whether or not the elections will be conducted at the end of the interim period comes December 2026, the validation marks a crucial proactive turning point in South Sudan’s media industry.
