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The Women Advocates Women Association in South Sudan (WAASS) has announced that elections to choose a new president will be held on July 11, following resolutions adopted during an Extraordinary General Assembly held in Juba.

The meeting, which continued a reform process that began nearly two years ago, reviewed and approved its agenda before adopting key resolutions to guide the leadership transition within the association.

As part of the resolutions, the General Assembly established a seven-member electoral committee to oversee the upcoming elections. The committee comprises four representatives elected by the Assembly, alongside members drawn from the judiciary, the Faculty of Law at the University of Juba, and the South Sudan Bar Association.

According to the association, the committee will be responsible for preparing, managing, and supervising the electoral process leading to the July 11 vote.

The Assembly also resolved that voting rights will be restricted to members who renew their membership within a five-day grace period. It further directed the outgoing Executive Committee to hand over all association files, records, and property to the newly elected leadership within one week after the announcement of results, in a move aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and strengthening institutional governance.

Speaking during the Juba meeting, Deputy Chairperson Basfila Banisto urged the electoral committee to conduct a credible process.

“We urge the Electoral Committee to conduct a free, fair, transparent, and timely election with professionalism and impartiality.

“Despite the country’s economic challenges, we remain committed to supporting the process and strengthening our association through unity, integrity, and a shared commitment to advancing justice, gender equality, human rights, and the rule of law,” she said

Founded in 2012 and formally registered in 2013, WAASS brings together women legal practitioners to promote equality, social justice, and access to justice through legal aid services for vulnerable groups.

The association also supports capacity building and professional development for women lawyers, while advocating for legal reforms and greater participation of women in public decision-making.

WAASS is part of a wider network of women-led civil society organizations in South Sudan working to advance gender equality, expand access to justice, and promote human rights.