South Sudan: Stakeholders Launch Policy Brief On Inclusive Elections

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan 

Stakeholders in South Sudan have launched a policy brief aimed at promoting inclusive elections, with calls for greater participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the electoral process.

The brief was launched in Juba on Friday and outlines recommendations intended to support transparent, credible, and inclusive elections ahead of the anticipated 2026 polls.

Speaking during the launch, Nunu Diana Alison, Director General at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said inclusive elections are essential for strengthening democracy in the country.

“Across the world, elections are the cornerstone of democracy. They give citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders and shape the future of their nation,” she said.

Alison also pointed to insecurity and displacement as key challenges that could affect voter participation, particularly among refugees and internally displaced persons.

“We still have people living in areas affected by insecurity, as well as refugees and internally displaced persons. We must ask ourselves whether they will be able to participate in the coming elections and how we can support them to exercise their rights,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ines Narciso of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan emphasized the importance of women’s political participation.

“Women’s participation as citizens and within political parties is not only a matter of rights. It is essential for sustainable peace, equitable development, and a strong and inclusive democracy,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Alumeri Ali from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung urged government officials, civil society organizations, and development partners to use the policy brief as a guide for electoral reforms and public awareness.

He said the recommendations could help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process as the country prepares for

the next elections.