By Matik Kueth
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has intensified voter education efforts ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, urging citizens to maintain peace, unity and responsible participation as the country prepares for its first polls since independence.
The campaign, unveiled on Monday in Juba, will educate eligible citizens on voter registration, electoral rights and responsibilities, voting procedures, ballot secrecy and the importance of taking part in democratic governance.
It will also be carried out in partnership with civil society organizations, political parties, faith-based groups, traditional leaders and the media to ensure the information reaches communities nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Abednego Akok, NEC Chairperson, described the initiative as a major milestone in preparing the country for its first general elections since independence.
He stressed that the campaign is non-partisan and belongs to every South Sudanese citizen.
“Today marks an important start in empowering South Sudanese citizens to participate peacefully and meaningfully in shaping the future of our nation,” Prof. Akok said.
He added, “It is not a campaign for any political party, individual leader, region or community. It belongs to every citizen.”
Akok said the commission would provide accurate and accessible information on every stage of the electoral process while ensuring that women, youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups are not left behind.
Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga, who officiated the event urged citizens to register and take part peacefully in the elections.
VP Dr. James Wani Igga speaks with NEC Chair Prof. Akok during the National Civic and Voter Education Campaign. [Photo: Matik Kueth, King Media].
“A credible voter register is the foundation of free, fair and transparent elections. I urge all eligible South Sudanese to register, participate peacefully and play their part in shaping the future of our country,” he stated.
Igga further called on all stakeholders to support the process to strengthen democracy and promote lasting peace in South Sudan.
Darren Nance, UNMISS’s Principal Electoral Affairs Officer, emphasized that public awareness and confidence are critical to the credibility of any election.
“Informed and engaged citizens are the foundation of credible elections,” Nance said, urging South Sudanese to embrace dialogue over violence and to have confidence in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Amb. Berhanu Kebede, Chief of Staff of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), described civic and voter education as an essential building block for democracy rather than merely an administrative electoral exercise.
“Civic and voter education is far more than a technical electoral activity. It is a fundamental pillar of democratic participation,” Kebede said.
Aerial view of Medan Rainbow, Juba, during the National Civic and Voter Education Campaign. [Matik Kueth, King Media].
The elections are a key milestone under the R-ARCSS and are intended to usher in a democratically elected government after years of political transition.
The NEC has been intensifying preparations ahead of voter registration, including public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
However, challenges remain, including the need for adequate funding, completion of key legal and institutional reforms, political consensus among the parties to the peace agreement, and a secure environment to ensure the elections are peaceful, inclusive and credible.