Jonglei stakeholders raise security, representation concerns ahead of elections

BOR – Civil society actors, election officials and community representatives in Jonglei State have raised concerns over insecurity, representation and access to civic information as preparations for South Sudan’s anticipated elections and constitution-making process gather momentum.

The concerns emerged during a First Quarter Election and Constitution-Making Process Forum held in Bor, bringing together 45 participants drawn from Jonglei’s nine counties. The forum was convened by INTREPID South Sudan (ISS) in collaboration with the State High Election Committee (SHEC) and the Jonglei State Ministry of Peacebuilding, with funding support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).

Participants included county coordinators, women and youth leaders, persons with disabilities, representatives of faith-based groups and internally displaced persons. Officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Election Affairs Department also attended.

In his opening remarks, SHEC Chairperson Tuor Majok Gueech outlined progress in establishing the committee’s office in Bor, describing it as a step toward improving coordination ahead of the polls. However, he acknowledged that preparations are unfolding amid policy and operational challenges.

“We are making steady progress in establishing our office here in Bor to strengthen coordination ahead of the elections,” Majok said, adding that the committee continues to face “policy and access challenges” that require clearer guidance from the National Elections Commission (NEC).

Majok urged county representatives to organize civic structures at the grassroots and to rely on verified information from the NEC. He also called on young people to distance themselves from violence and divisive rhetoric as political activities intensify.

“The future of this state depends on productive and issue-based politics,” he said. “Youth narratives can only be shaped and championed by the youth themselves.”

Despite the emphasis on civic engagement, participants voiced unease over what they described as unresolved questions surrounding electoral representation. A youth leader from one of the counties questioned the reported use of the former 17 constituencies declared by the NEC, despite the subsequent creation of additional administrative units.

“The current administrative units are far more than the previous 17 constituencies. This raises serious representation concerns that must be clarified before the elections,” the youth leader said.

Security conditions in parts of northern Jonglei also dominated discussions. Women representatives highlighted ongoing hostilities and displacement as major barriers to inclusive participation in both the electoral and constitutional review processes.

“The increasing insecurity and mass displacement, particularly in northern counties, are hindering civic education and meaningful participation,” one women’s representative noted. “Without peace and stability, these processes cannot be inclusive.”

Participants appealed for an immediate cessation of military hostilities in northern Jonglei and called for unhindered humanitarian access to assist more than 40,000 newly displaced people, according to figures cited during the forum.

The constitution-making process was another area of concern. Representatives urged the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) to expand consultations beyond Bor town and conduct outreach at the county level to ensure broader public participation.

“Consultations should reach the grassroots. Many voices in the counties feel left out when discussions are limited to Bor,” said Kuei, a representative of persons with disabilities.

While organizers described the forum as an opportunity to promote dialogue and civic awareness, the discussions underscored deeper structural and security challenges that could shape the credibility and inclusiveness of the forthcoming elections in Jonglei State.