A National Elections Commission roadshow vehicle drives through the streets of Juba ahead of the launch of the civic and voter education campaign. Courtesy photo.

The South Sudan Women Union has called for intensified grassroots civic and voter education to help citizens understand the importance of voter registration and participation in the electoral process.

Speaking during the official launch of the civic and voter education campaign in Juba on Monday, Mary Deng, representing the Women Union, urged political parties to encourage more women to take part in the upcoming general elections.

Deng said the Women Union supports the democratic process and wants South Sudan to practice genuine democracy through transparent and inclusive elections.

She called on political parties to promote women’s participation within their structures and encourage female members to contest elective positions.

Deng also appealed to civil society organizations involved in voter education to extend awareness campaigns to grassroots communities, including remote areas, so that citizens understand the importance of voter registration and electing their representatives.

She said the Women Union fully supports the National Elections Commission in its efforts to register eligible voters and provide civic education ahead of the polls.

According to Deng, women and other citizens need to understand the country’s electoral system, including the election of representatives through geographical constituencies, women’s lists, and political party lists.

She added that the Women Union will continue working with the National Elections Commission and communities to promote free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections.

“On behalf of the Women Union, we are here to support this democratic process because in our Women Union we have been elected democratically. So, we want to see South Sudan practicing real democracy. One of the important things the Women Union would like is for political parties to encourage women within their own parties to participate and contest in the elections,” Deng said.

She also urged civil society organizations to strengthen voter awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, saying citizens need to understand the purpose of voter registration and the importance of electing their representatives peacefully.

“I would also like, on behalf of the Women Union, to support civil society organizations to reach people at the grassroots level and make them aware of what voter registration means and why they should choose their representatives in this election through their own constituencies. We want to confirm to every South Sudanese citizen that we need free, fair, and peaceful elections. No violence. We need peaceful elections,” she added.

The National Elections Commission officially launched the nationwide civic and voter education campaign on Monday as part of preparations for South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for 22nd December 2026. The campaign aims to educate eligible citizens on voter registration, electoral procedures, and the importance of participating peacefully in the country’s first elections under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.