Urgent Call for Political Action: CEPO’s Director Demands Timely Preparations for 2026 Elections

In a recent address, Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), implored political leaders to prioritize essential tasks to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process in December 2026. His statements coincide with ongoing discussions surrounding South Sudan’s political transition, which has faced significant delays and challenges.

Yakani emphasized that the roadmap to successful elections hinges on completing several critical tasks by October 2025. Among these are the unification of military forces, constitutional reforms, amendments to electoral laws, geographical constituency demarcation, and a population census. He warned that failing to accomplish these objectives by the stipulated deadline would severely limit the chances of holding meaningful elections and may further erode the current government’s legitimacy.

“The time has come for us to openly, honestly, and sincerely discuss the development of a clear timeline that leads to peaceful and credible elections,” Yakani stated, highlighting the urgent need for cooperation among party leaders. He expressed concern that the current transitional plan lacks a genuine commitment to facilitating elections and instead reflects underlying political maneuvering that could jeopardize the country’s stability.

Yakani’s appeal is a significant step in advocating for political accountability and transparency in South Sudan, urging all parties to collaborate in good faith to meet the necessary requirements for the upcoming electoral cycle. As the clock ticks towards the 2026 elections, the eyes of the nation remain on the leadership to respond decisively to the call for action.

Failure to meet these goals by the end of the transitional timeline could leave South Sudan facing the prospect of a caretaker government, further complicating the political landscape in a country already grappling with numerous challenges.

“The ball is in your hands,” Yakani concluded, reiterating the importance of immediate action from party leaders to secure a brighter future for the citizens of South Sudan.