Disability Affairs Director Urges Inclusive Measures Ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 Elections
By Roselyn Oboy
The Director of Disability Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Dr. Stephen Dhieu Kuach, has called on the National Elections Commission (NEC) to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in the preparation and conduct of South Sudan’s 2026 general elections.
In a statement addressed to government institutions, electoral bodies, civil society organizations, media houses, and international partners, Dr. Kuach urged the NEC to make disability inclusion a core component of the electoral process rather than a symbolic commitment.
He stressed that persons with disabilities have equal constitutional rights to participate in public affairs and should not face barriers during voter registration, civic education, voting, or political representation.
Among the measures proposed, Dr. Kuach called for polling stations to be physically accessible and for voter education materials to be made available in Braille, audio, large print, and sign language. He also urged the NEC to train election officials and security personnel on disability inclusion to ensure equal access throughout the electoral process.
The Director further recommended meaningful consultations with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the inclusion of persons with disabilities in election observation missions, and the establishment of accessible complaint mechanisms to address violations of electoral rights.
Dr. Kuach cited South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution and the country’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), particularly Article 29, which guarantees the political participation of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
He also appealed to political parties to nominate candidates with disabilities, incorporate disability rights into their manifestos, and ensure campaign activities are accessible to all citizens.
Addressing the role of the media, Dr. Kuach urged news organizations to provide inclusive election coverage by using respectful language when reporting on disability issues and offering accessible information, including sign language interpretation during major broadcasts.
To strengthen preparations ahead of the polls, he proposed that the National Elections Commission convene a national consultative forum on disability-inclusive elections, bringing together government institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities, political parties, civil society groups, and development partners.
“History will judge these elections not only by their outcomes but by their inclusiveness,” Dr. Kuach said, emphasizing that the meaningful participation of all citizens would strengthen democracy, promote national unity, and enhance public confidence in South Sudan’s electoral process.
