The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has warned that South Sudan risks failing to hold national elections scheduled for December 2026 due to delays in funding and political maneuvers that undermine the country’s electoral preparedness.
Speaking on the release of CEPO’s seventh pre-election domestic observation report, covering January to March 2026, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, highlighted serious concerns over the country’s readiness.
“The time for holding the December 2026 election is running out daily, yet there is no genuine evidence that the country is fully prepared,” Yakani said.
The report notes that only four percent of the National Election Commission’s required budget has been released, severely limiting its ability to plan and execute a credible election.
CEPO pointed to the Ministry of Finance for failing to remit funds despite repeated presidential directives.
“Unless funding is urgently allocated to the National Election Commission this month, the chances of successfully holding elections in December 2026 will be minimal,” Yakani warned.
CEPO also flagged political tactics threatening electoral timelines. Influential leaders close to the presidency, according to the report, are allegedly prioritizing funding ongoing military operations and splitting political parties over preparing for elections.
“The country is being prepared for delay. Political maneuvers, committee after committee without action, and diversion of national resources all point to a strategy to postpone elections and extend the current transitional period,” Yakani said.
The organization stressed that adequate funding and coordination among key institutions including the National Election Commission, the National Constitutional Review Commission, and the Political Parties Council are critical to creating a conducive environment for the elections.
Yakani urged the government and development partners to act immediately: “The Ministry of Finance must urgently channel resources to institutions with election-related mandates to avoid a governance and constitutional legitimacy crisis.”
CEPO’s report comes amid growing public concern over the country’s readiness to hold elections and the perception that political interests may override national priorities.
The organization said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to South Sudanese citizens and international partners.
