The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has expressed deep concern over the slow pace of South Sudan’s preparations for the 2026 general elections, particularly the continued lack of funding for the National Election Commission (NEC)
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CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, voiced his frustration, stating that as of October 2025, the NEC had yet to receive any government funding to initiate essential pre-election activities, despite previous assurances from President Salva Kiir that financial support would be provided.
“Funding the National Election Commission is a key benchmark for measuring the government’s political will and commitment to democratic processes,” Yakani said. “If there is genuine intent to hold free and fair elections, then resources must be released in a timely manner.”
Yakani warned that further delays risk eroding public trust in the government’s stated commitment to conducting elections as scheduled in December 2026.
“It appears that the leadership’s public pronouncements on elections are not matched by action,” he added. “What some leaders are saying may not reflect their true intentions.”
He issued a direct appeal to President Kiir, urging immediate action to release the necessary funds.
“We respectfully call on Your Excellency to act on the decision to fund the NEC. Without timely support, the country’s electoral roadmap is at serious risk,” Yakani stressed.
In addition to the financial concerns, Yakani highlighted the urgent need to address ongoing security issues to ensure credible elections. He pointed to recent clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) as a significant threat to the electoral process.
“To hold credible elections, the violence between SPLM-IO and SSPDF must be de-escalated,” he said. “Furthermore, other armed groups especially signatories to the revitalized peace agreement must not be overlooked. They continue to pose a threat if not actively engaged.”
Yakani urged the government to utilize the Tumaini Initiative, a dialogue and reconciliation framework, as a platform to engage with armed opposition groups and resolve tensions.
According to CEPO’s latest assessment, the overall level of preparedness for the 2026 elections remains critically low.
“Time is not waiting for the National Election Commission,” Yakani warned. “Each delay makes the December 2026 timeline increasingly uncertain.”
