The civil society activist has expressed concern over the government’s failure to release funding for pre-election activities, despite earlier assurances from the presidency.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), in a statement on Thursday, revealed that the National Election Commission has yet to receive the promised financial support to begin preparations for the 2026 elections.
This delay, he said, contradicts public commitments made by the president months ago following a meeting with the Commission.
“Funding the National Election Commission is one of the indicators for measuring political commitment and political will,” Yakani stated.
Yakani warned that the lack of funding undermines the credibility of the government’s repeated claims that South Sudan is ready to hold elections by December 2026. Without immediate action, he fears the promise of elections may be a political tactic to justify extending the transitional period.
Citing a range of compounding challenges, including political instability, renewed hostilities in parts of the country, climate-related disruptions, and the absence of key decisions that would enable the Commission to begin technical preparations, he pointed out that crucial activities like civic education, voter registration, and public orientation should have started months ago.
“Time is not waiting for the National Election Commission,” Yakani stressed. “Political leadership and will are required now, not later, if elections are truly to take place.”
CEPO’s statement also urged the president to uphold the cessation of hostilities agreement and engage all armed opposition groups under the Tumaini framework to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.
Without decisive action, according to the activist, the promise of elections risks becoming a hollow declaration as the clock is ticking, and South Sudan’s democratic future hangs in the balance.
