Webinar: Analysis of South Sudan’s election preparedness

Is South Sudan prepared to hold elections in 2024?

Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has yet to conduct its first elections. Before the official postponement of South Sudan’s elections from 2024 to 2026, AHEAD Africa partners, the African Election Observers Network (AfEONet) and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), hosted a webinar titled“Navigating the Crossroads: An Analysis of South Sudan’s Election Preparedness” to discuss the country’s preparedness to hold elections.

Moderated by Andrew Songa, African Union Engagement Advisor at the European Partnership for Democracy, the discussion featured Galdino Ochama Ojok, Executive Director at South Sudan Network For Democracy and Elections (SUNDEE); Jackline Nasiwa, Executive Director of Center for Inclusive Governance Peace and Justice (CIGPJ); Alimure Ali Awuda, Elections Expert at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Sudan; Dr. Aleu Garang, Director of MSU at Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); and Henry Muguzi, Head of Secretariat at AfEONet. The panel explored the challenges that may have led to the postponement of the 2024 elections and key issues that need to be addressed over the next two years, providing answers to the following questions:

Why does South Sudan need a permanent constitution before elections, and what are the drawbacks of holding elections only after it?
What concerns exist regarding the independence of South Sudan’s National Electoral Commission (NEC)?
What is the current status of the judicial system in South Sudan?
How is the economic situation linked to this delay?
How can multi-stakeholder dialogue and civic education enhance the electoral process in South Sudan?
Were sufficient financial resources allocated for the 2024 elections, and how can South Sudan seek international financial support?
What security issues are hindering free and fair elections, and does the electorate have the freedom to choose their representatives?
What are the main reasons for postponing elections until 2026, and is it a justifiable decision?
Will 2026 be the final date for elections in South Sudan, and how can we ensure they are not postponed again?