National Coordinator of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, James Bidal Bilal, during a commemoration of International Day of democracy in Juba on 15^th September 2026/ Credit: Awuou Michael

By Awuou Michael

South Sudan’s government has been urged to strengthen civic and political space and uphold human rights as the country prepares for elections expected in December.

The comment was made during a commemoration of the International Day of Democracy on Tuesday by the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network.

James Bidal National Coordinator of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network ,said democracy goes beyond voting, stressing that citizens must be able to assemble, associate and express their views freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.

“Democracy goes beyond voting. Citizens must be free to assemble, associate and express their views without fear of harassment or intimidation,” Bidal said.

He said an open civic and political environment is essential for citizens to scrutinize public institutions and hold leaders accountable.

“An open civic and political space allows citizens to scrutinize institutions and hold their leaders accountable. These freedoms are key pillars of true democracy,” he said.

Bidal also criticized restrictions on media access to parliament during discussions on amendments to the peace agreement.

“Citizens and journalists should be able to observe and report on the proceedings of institutions whose representatives they elected,” Bidal said.

He urged the government to ensure constitutional rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, are fully respected across the country.

Meanwhile, John Ador, the Network’s Program Development Officer, said journalists and civil society organizations continue to face challenges in carrying out their roles.

“Threats, intimidation, confiscation of phones and cameras, and restrictions on access to information are among the issues affecting our civic space,” Ador said.

He said journalists should be able to report on corruption, crime and poor governance without fear of reprisals.

“Journalists should be able to report on corruption, crime and poor governance without fear of reprisals,” he said.

Ador also expressed concern over arbitrary arrests and detention, calling for detainees to have access to their families and legal representation.

“People who are arrested should have access to their families and legal representation. Judicial independence is also important in protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring access to justice,” Ador said.

He further called for greater space for civil society organizations to raise concerns affecting communities without being treated as political opponents.

According to Ador, democracy should not be measured by elections alone, but also by the extent to which citizens can freely express their views, participate in public affairs and hold institutions accountable.

Both rights defenders called on the government to create an open civic and political environment ahead of the elections, allowing citizens, journalists, political actors and civil society organizations to participate without intimidation.

Bidal said the success of South Sudan’s political transition should not be measured only at the national level in Juba, but should also extend to states, counties and legislative institutions across the country.

The rights group says respect for human rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law and strong democratic institutions will be crucial to the credibility of South Sudan’s political transition.

The International Day of Democracy is commemorated annually on September 15 to promote and uphold democratic principles, including human rights, freedom of expression, public participation, the rule of law and accountable institutions.