In a landmark address on the readiness of Western Equatoria State for the 2026 general elections, Governor Barrister James Al Taib Jazz Berapai and the Chairperson of the State High Elections Commission, Hon. Bakama Simon Mande, reassured citizens of their joint commitment to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful polls.
The meeting, held at the newly constructed facilities handed over by the National Elections Commission with support from UN partners, underscored both the urgency and the importance of credible elections in consolidating peace and democracy in South Sudan.
Governor Barrister James Al Taib Jazz Berapai warmly welcomed the Commission’s leadership, pledging his full support in carrying out their mandate. He reminded the audience that the essence of governance lies in the sovereignty of the people, not in appointments or manipulations.
“Legitimacy comes only when leaders rise to positions of responsibility through the will and choice of the people. Whenever someone ascends to leadership through crooked mechanisms that marks the beginning of governance collapse.
But when those tasked with managing the electoral process remain neutral and not aligned to political parties, democracy is nourished, leadership is strengthened, and the trust of the people is upheld,” he said.
The Governor noted that South Sudan’s democratic journey had been tested by conflict and mistrust, but elections in 2026 present a golden opportunity to restore hope.
“Some have attempted to take away the power of the people of South Sudan and use it without their rightful representatives. But sovereignty lies in the hands of citizens. It is the people who must choose who governs them not leaders imposed without their consent,” he stressed.
He hailed the role of the National Elections Commission and development partners, particularly UNODIS, for providing vital infrastructure to enable the work of the state branch.
“What has been done here is not just an act of goodwill, but a fulfillment of national duty. Without proper offices and facilities, no institution can function effectively. These facilities are a foundation for the democratic process we are about to build,” the Governor added.
The Governor concluded by committing to regular engagements with the Commission, promising monthly updates to ensure transparency and timely reporting to national authorities.
Hon. Bakama Simon Mande, Chairperson of the Western Equatoria State High Elections Commission, affirmed that despite challenges, the body is prepared to begin its work.
“We are now ready to begin our work, even though challenges remain. With the little assistance we have, we can start preparing the groundwork for the electoral process,” he noted.
He highlighted delays at the national level due to limited funds, which have slowed voter sensitization and other key activities. However, he expressed optimism that the national government will soon release resources to allow the Commission to scale up its preparations.
“In the meantime, we are not idle. We are planning and mobilizing to ensure that no community whether remote or urban is left behind. We have reached understandings with partners to organize programs in selected counties, by land and by air,” he explained.
In a bid to strengthen coordination, the Commission requested a standing arrangement with the Governor.
“We humbly request His Excellency to grant us one day each month for an official meeting to update him on progress, challenges, and needs. This will enhance transparency, accountability, and timely decision-making,” Hon. Mande said.
Both leaders stressed that the credibility of the 2026 elections will determine whether Western Equatoria and South Sudan transition from a zone of conflict to a zone of peace.
The Governor emphasized that peace remains the top demand of the people, urging institutions and citizens alike to uphold it.
“Peace is the demand of the people of South Sudan, peace is the demand of the people of Western Equatoria, and indeed, peace is the obligation of our Heavenly Father upon us all,” he said.
Observers noted that the partnership between the state government, the elections body, and international actors marks a crucial step toward creating a conducive environment for democracy.
The 2026 elections will be the first general polls since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, intended to bring stability and usher in a democratic dispensation.
The process has faced delays due to insecurity, financial constraints, and institutional weaknesses, but preparations are now gaining momentum.
Western Equatoria State, which has endured years of conflict and displacement, is expected to play a symbolic role in demonstrating how local leadership and communities can rally around the democratic process.
With the Governor pledging full support and the State Elections Commission mobilizing despite challenges, citizens expressed renewed optimism. One youth leader outside the hall captured the mood:
“For the first time, we see the government and the elections body standing together for the people. If this unity continues, we believe 2026 will be different we will finally vote for our leaders,” he said.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes will be on whether Western Equatoria State and the wider nation can deliver elections that meet the expectations of citizens: credible, transparent, and peaceful.
For now, the commitment expressed in Yambio offershope that the ballot box rather than conflict will define South Sudan’s political future.
