(JUBA) – The Chairperson of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission, Gabriel Bol Deng, has met with Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla to discuss the country’s coming electoral process. The meeting focused on the role of the Church in promoting peace, dialogue and responsible participation.
Deng was accompanied by Josephine Achiro Fortelo, Commissioner for Supervision of Political Parties and Relations, and Ahon Malou, Acting Secretary General of the National Elections Commission.
During the meeting, held in October 2026, the commission chairperson reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process. He stressed that elections should contribute to national unity, trust and responsible citizenship.
“Elections should not be viewed merely as the act of voting, but as a national process that should strengthen unity, peace, trust and responsible citizenship,” Deng said.
He emphasised that the commission could not deliver the electoral process alone. He said cooperation was important with religious institutions, political parties, civil society, traditional leaders and citizens.
Cardinal Ameyu reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s support for democratic elections. He emphasised dialogue as the peaceful means through which political differences should be addressed.
“Leadership should ultimately derive its legitimacy from the people through an electoral process,” the Cardinal said.
The Cardinal encouraged South Sudanese political actors to work together and agree on how elections could be conducted transparently and peacefully. He stressed that political, social and economic differences should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.
“Our political, social and economic differences can be discussed and resolved peacefully. Guns should no longer be regarded as a means of resolving our disagreements,” he said.
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