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Juba – Report by Al-Naeim Mubarak Kuol
In a move reflecting the growing official preparations for South Sudan’s first-ever general elections, Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, has called on citizens across the country to register in the voters’ register, emphasizing that the success of the electoral process begins with the establishment of an accurate and comprehensive voter registry that reflects the will of the people and lays the foundation for free, fair, and credible elections.
The Vice President made the remarks during the launch of an electoral awareness campaign organized by the National Elections Commission (NEC) in Juba. The event attracted government officials, community leaders, and members of the public at a time when national attention is increasingly focused on the anticipated elections, widely regarded as a critical milestone in South Sudan’s journey toward democratic governance and the completion of its transitional process.
Dr. Igga stressed that voter registration is the first and most important step in the electoral process, noting that every citizen who registers contributes directly to shaping the country’s political future. He said registration is not merely a technical or administrative procedure, but a clear declaration of a citizen’s right to participate in decision-making and national governance.
He further stated that South Sudan stands before an unprecedented historic opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions through citizens’ participation in choosing their leaders through the ballot box, urging all eligible voters not to miss this important national moment.
Democracy Begins with Participation
The Vice President underscored that genuine democracy can only be achieved through broad and inclusive participation by all citizens without exception, stressing that the upcoming elections should reflect South Sudan’s rich diversity.
He noted that the country is home to dozens of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures, yet all citizens share a common goal: building a stable and prosperous nation. According to Dr. Igga, diversity should not be viewed as a source of division but rather as a strength that can be harnessed to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
He added that the participation of all segments of society in voter registration and voting would enhance the legitimacy of the electoral process, strengthen public confidence in the results, and contribute to building national institutions founded on the will of the people.
Youth at the Center of the Electoral Process
Dr. Igga made a special appeal to young people, noting that they constitute the largest segment of South Sudan’s population and that the country’s future is closely linked to their level of political participation.
He said young people possess the energy and capacity to drive positive change and encouraged them to register in large numbers and actively engage in the democratic process. He described the elections as an opportunity for a new generation to express its aspirations and help shape policies that will determine the country’s future in the years ahead.
Observers believe that targeting youth in voter education campaigns is essential, given the significant role they are expected to play in determining electoral outcomes, particularly in a country with a predominantly youthful population.
Special Appeal to Women
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of women’s participation in the upcoming elections, calling on women across all states and communities to register and vote.
He highlighted the vital role South Sudanese women have played in peacebuilding and stabilization efforts, adding that the next phase of national development requires stronger female representation in decision-making and political leadership.
Dr. Igga noted that women’s political empowerment is a key indicator of democratic progress and stressed the need to provide equal opportunities for women to participate fully in every stage of the electoral process.
Recognizing the Contribution of Elders
Addressing older citizens, Dr. Igga praised their experience and wisdom, describing them as valuable resources capable of guiding younger generations and strengthening public awareness about civic participation.
He stressed that elections are not solely the responsibility of youth but a collective national undertaking that requires the involvement of all eligible citizens, including elders, community leaders, and experienced public figures.
Reliable Voter Register Essential for Credible Elections
Speaking about the technical aspects of the electoral process, the Vice President stressed that the accuracy of the voters’ register is the cornerstone of any transparent and credible election.
He explained that a reliable voter registry helps reduce election-related disputes and enhances confidence among political parties, candidates, and citizens in the integrity of the entire process.
Dr. Igga encouraged citizens to provide accurate information during registration and to comply with the laws and procedures governing the process, emphasizing that each eligible voter should register only once.
Combating Misinformation and Building Public Trust
Amid the increasing spread of misinformation on social media platforms, the Vice President warned against rumors aimed at undermining confidence in the electoral process and urged citizens to rely on information issued by official institutions.
He stated that successful elections require an environment characterized by awareness and national responsibility, adding that promoting accurate information and countering misinformation are essential components of democratic success.
A Shared National Responsibility
Dr. Igga also called on national institutions to play their role in promoting electoral awareness. He urged religious leaders, politicians, traditional authorities, teachers, civil society organizations, and the media to contribute to educating citizens about the importance of voter registration and peaceful participation.
He emphasized that the success of the upcoming elections is not the responsibility of the National Elections Commission alone, but a collective responsibility requiring the coordinated efforts of state institutions and society as a whole.
A Defining Moment in the Nation’s History
The launch of the voter education program comes as South Sudan intensifies preparations for the anticipated elections, widely viewed as one of the country’s most significant political milestones since independence in 2011.
Dr. Igga noted that the success of voter registration will serve as an important indicator of the country’s readiness to conduct its first comprehensive elections and will reflect the extent of citizens’ engagement in the democratic transition process.
Concluding his remarks, the Vice President reiterated that participation in voter registration and elections is both a national duty and a historic opportunity to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Sudan. He called on citizens to make the upcoming elections a platform for strengthening national unity, consolidating democratic values, and ensuring the representation of all segments of society in the institutions of governance.
