As South Sudan gears up for its long-awaited national elections set for December 2026, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) is calling on political leaders and electoral bodies to prioritise the inclusion and representation of persons with disabilities in the democratic process.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, emphasised the importance of meaningful participation for all citizens, regardless of their abilities, in a recent statement.
“I would like to take this opportunity to bring to the attention of every South Sudanese who holds the power to shape this electoral season,” Yakani said.
“We must ensure, in our various capacities, that persons with disabilities are meaningfully represented and allowed to participate fully in the electoral process.”
Yakani announced that CEPO will work closely with the National Elections Commission (NEC) to ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind. He revealed plans to establish a dedicated disability inclusion desk within the NEC.
“As a civil society organisation and as an activist, we are committed to translating this vision into reality,” he said. “
He stated that, together with our government, they will approach the leadership of the National Election Commission to establish a disability inclusion desk led by persons with disabilities themselves.
“No one should speak for them or represent them; they will lead their own advocacy and participation”
Yakani also commended the NEC for showing early commitment to inclusion.
“We are proud of the responsibility demonstrated by the National Election Commission,” he added. “Their leadership has already shown proactive engagement on disability inclusion in the electoral process.”
According to CEPO, the proposed desk will align with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which South Sudan ratified in 2016.
The December 2026 elections will be the first national vote since the country gained independence in 2011.
Credit: the dawn newspaper