Mobilisation Begins Ahead of 2026 Vote
Western Equatoria’s State High Elections Commission has begun a statewide mobilisation push as South Sudan edges toward the long-awaited 2026 ballot. Officials say early preparation will transform the vote into a turning point for stability.
Spokesperson Simon Sawarasi calls elections “the only way to resolve our challenges”, urging citizens to prepare spiritually, emotionally and practically. He frames credible polls as the surest route to lasting peace.
Civic Education Reaches Youth Statewide
Over twelve months, SHEC teams have delivered civic-education workshops to roughly 4,000 secondary and university students, with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Women, youth and persons with disabilities headline the outreach agenda.
Locally trained facilitators now carry the message into ten counties and hard-to-reach villages, aiming for universal voter awareness before registration opens.
Festive Season Messaging Push
SHEC chair Simon Bakama encourages travellers to share election information during the Christmas season, arguing that grassroots word-of-mouth can bridge communication gaps under limited budgets.
Funding and Security Concerns Surface
Civil-society coalition leader Wanga Emmanuel applauds the drive yet insists progress hinges on funding, logistics and an explicit pledge from Juba to secure remote areas.
Analysts Urge Full Peace Deal Implementation
Political analyst Stephen Dhieu Kuach cautions that democratic institutions remain “on life support” until the Revitalized Agreement is fully honoured. Without implementation, he warns, the 2026 vote could look like an illusion.
Officials Retain Optimism
Commission officials counter that early engagement itself builds public trust and pressure for timely reforms. “We still have hope, and we are sharing that hope with every citizen,” Sawarasi reiterates.
Outlook for Western Equatoria and Beyond
The months ahead will test whether mobilisation, resources and political will can converge. For now, Western Equatoria’s campaign offers a cautiously optimistic template for South Sudan’s broader journey toward the 2026 ballot box.