Delays in releasing election funds could jeopardize South Sudan’s December 2026 polls, activist Edmond Yakani has warned, saying the National Election Commission has received just six percent of its approved budget.
Speaking after parliamentary deliberations, CEPO’s Edmond Yakani said the NEC is operating on just six percent of its approved election budget.
Nyakani said the NEC had presented a comprehensive budget for the 2025–2026 financial year, outlining critical activities required to deliver credible elections, including voter registration, training of electoral staff, civic education, and the establishment of operational offices nationwide.
However, he said 94 percent of the budget remains unreleased, despite the country officially committing to elections in December 2026.
“The election budget is very essential if we want to succeed in transitioning the country from violence to peace through elections,” Yakani said.
“It should not be tampered with. In fact, it should be increased so that the National Election Commission operates at full capacity.”
According to Yakani, the limited funds released so far have only enabled the NEC to establish 10 state offices, leaving most planned activities stalled.
He warned that delays are already affecting the electoral calendar, forcing tasks scheduled for January to shift into February, with subsequent activities pushed further back.
He highlighted June 22, 2026 as a critical legal deadline, when the NEC is required to present the final vetted and validated voter register, a step that must be completed before political parties can officially begin campaigns.
“If the election budget is not released beyond the six percent already given, that deadline will be affected,” he said.
Yakani explained that the period between February and May 2026 is crucial for voter registration, training of registration officials, and nationwide voter awareness campaigns.
Without timely funding, he said the NEC may struggle to complete these tasks within the timelines set by law.
The activist also raised concerns that funding delays are compounded by ongoing insecurity in parts of the country, which could further undermine preparations for a peaceful and credible vote.
He warned that failure to meet key electoral deadlines could deepen public mistrust and raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the next government.
“As civil society and domestic observers, we are worried that the chances of the NEC meeting its deadlines may be challenged,” hesaid, adding that continued delays could push the country into “a very critical moment.”
The activit called on the Ministry of Finance and the country’s leadership to urgently release the remaining election funds, questioning why transfers to the NEC remain stalled despite commitments at the highest level.
He warned that unless resources are made available soon, the promise of elections in December 2026 may already be facing “early jeopardy.”
He concluded by cautioning that without adequate funding and a conducive security environment, South Sudan may fail to reach election day as scheduled.
“We may not find ourselves voting on December 22, 2026, if this trend of delayed resources and insecurity continues,” he said.
