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JUBA – By Al-Naeim Mubarak Kuol
The National Elections Commission (NEC) today officially launched the nationwide Civic and Voter Education Campaign at Medan Rainbow in Juba, marking a significant milestone in preparations for South Sudan’s first-ever general elections, scheduled for December 22, 2026.
The launch followed a public awareness march organized by the Commission yesterday, which passed through several streets of Juba. The march brought together NEC officials, representatives of registered political parties, civil society organizations, and other electoral stakeholders. The initiative aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of electoral participation and to educate citizens on election procedures, rights, and responsibilities.
The campaign seeks to equip citizens with the knowledge necessary for informed and meaningful participation in the democratic process. Through a series of outreach activities, it will provide information on voting rights, voter registration procedures, and the voting process, while also promoting peaceful participation and respect for election outcomes.
The Commission stated that civic and voter education activities will continue over the coming months across all states and administrative areas of the country to ensure that electoral messages reach as many citizens as possible before polling day.
Speaking at the launch event, Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, described the upcoming elections as a “historic moment” in the nation’s development. He called on citizens to prepare for active participation, emphasizing that the elections offer an opportunity for South Sudanese to help shape the country’s future through democratic means.
Dr. Igga urged citizens to uphold unity, peace, and national responsibility, stressing that the success of the electoral process depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders and their commitment to peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law. He noted that every vote has an important role to play in building a democratic, stable, and prosperous South Sudan.
Observers view the launch of the Civic and Voter Education Campaign as a critical step toward enhancing voter readiness and participation, particularly as the elections will be the country’s first national electoral exercise since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Civic and voter education is widely regarded as a key pillar in ensuring broad and informed participation, strengthening public confidence in the electoral process, and promoting democratic practices across the country.
The campaign comes at a time when technical and administrative preparations for the elections are accelerating, amid hopes that the December 2026 polls will mark a turning point in advancing political stability and consolidating democratic governance in South Sudan.
