South Sudan is yet to hold its first general election since breaking away from the North in 2011 in Sudan. File Photo

Civil society leader Edmund Yakani says the voter registration process faces serious challenges due to delayed funding and insecurity ahead of the December 2026 general elections.

Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said civil society remains concerned about preparations for the elections.

He said delays in releasing funds could affect the recruitment and deployment of voter registration officials, procurement of registration materials, and payment of staff allowances.

“We are aware that voter registration is one of the most expensive stages of electoral preparation. It requires the recruitment of officials who will register voters across the 204 constituencies declared by the National Elections Commission, using the 2010 geographical constituencies,” he explained.

Speaking to the media, Yakani said voter registration is one of the most critical and costly stages of the electoral process.

“This means the country may need around 408 voter registration officials, with specific funding required for the exercise. The movement of registration officials and the printing of registration materials are also costly. Delays in releasing funds on time will create challenges. In addition, insecurity across the country may affect the free movement of registration officials,” he said.

Yakani also called on the country’s leaders to fully implement the African Union C5 Summit resolutions, including inclusive political dialogue and building national consensus ahead of the elections.