In a significant step toward strengthening democratic participation in South Sudan, more than 30 young people, students, and civil society activists from Yambio County have undergone intensive training on inclusive elections and civic education, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC) in Western Equatoria State.
The one-day workshop, held at Tourist Hotel in Yambio, sought to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote voter education, inclusivity, and meaningful community participation ahead of South Sudan’s first general elections since independence, scheduled for December 2026.
Empowering Youth as Champions of Democracy
Opening the session, Simon Bakama, Chairperson of the State Elections Commission, said the training was designed to transform young people into active ambassadors for democracy and inclusive governance.
“This training marks the beginning of an important journey,” Bakama said. “The youth are the heartbeat of our nation’s democracy. It is your duty to go out, educate your communities, and encourage them to make informed choices from the presidency down to the boma level.”
He emphasized that awareness at the grassroots is key to reducing misinformation and ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2026.
Mr. Simon Sarawasi, Spokesperson for the State High-Level Elections Commission, said the youth and civil society organizations play an irreplaceable role in spreading factual electoral information and building trust in the process.
“We recognize the youth and CSOs as vital ambassadors in this process. Their voices will help ensure that no one is left behind including women, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities,” he said.
Mr. Sonny Onyebula, Team Leader from the UNMISS Human Rights Office in Western Equatoria State, commended the participants for their enthusiasm, noting that inclusive participation is the foundation of a peaceful and stable nation.
“This country belongs to the youth,” Onyebula emphasized. “You have the right to vote, the right to be elected, and the right to mobilize others toward peaceful participation. The 2026 elections must reflect the will of all South Sudanese not just a few.”
Representing civil society, Michael Dakpara Peter, Executive Director of Care Humanity Organization, applauded the initiative, describing it as a critical milestone in preparing communities for democratic engagement.
“Elections are not a one-day event,” Dakpara stated. “They begin with civic education. Every citizen aged 18 and above has a duty to vote wisely and peacefully. This training gives us the tools to teach our communities about their rights and responsibilities in the upcoming polls.”
Participants at the workshop said the training would help boost the community’s understanding of the upcoming elections by demystifying the electoral process and empowering citizens to take part in shaping their political future.
Local youth leader Mary Juma, one of the participants, said she now feels better equipped to educate her peers and women’s groups in her area.
“Before this training, many people didn’t know the difference between registration, voting, and campaigning,” she explained. “Now I can go back and teach my community how to participate peacefully and make their voices count.”
Path to Peaceful and Inclusive 2026 Elections, the workshop concluded with a collective commitment from UNMISS, NEC, and local civil society actors to sustain civic education programs and strengthen cooperation among youth-led groups.
Organizers believe that continued engagement will not only improve voter awareness but also reduce tensions and build public confidence in the December 2026 polls a milestone moment in South Sudan’s democratic journey.
“A well-informed population is the best guarantee for peace,” said Dr. Onyebula. “When citizens understand the process, they participate without fear, suspicion, or violence.”
As the countdown to South Sudan’s long-awaited elections begins, youth in Yambio are taking the lead spreading messages of peace, participation, and inclusion from the classrooms to the villages, and from the towns to the grassroots.
