SPLM Youth Call for Ballot Not Bullet Ahead of December Elections

(JUBA) – Young members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement have called on all youth in South Sudan to back peaceful elections in December and reject political violence.

The call came at the Political Parties Youth Forum held at the Juba Grand Hotel from 29 to 30 June 2026. The forum ran under the theme “Empowering Youth as Agents of Peace and Democratic Change in South Sudan” and brought together young leaders from all political groups to build tolerance and constructive engagement.

The SPLM was represented by its Secretary for External Affairs, Bol Makueng Yuol. He greeted guests including Deputy Speaker Kornelino Kon, civil society representatives, and Undersecretary in the Ministry of Peacebuilding Pia Philip Michael. Bol praised the forum leadership and said he had full trust in their ability to carry out this important work.

Bol told the gathering that although political parties are different, the youth remain one people under Mother South Sudan. He said the job of young people now is to push for the December General Elections through the ballot, not the bullet.

He warned that political violence destroys youth, causes school dropouts and leaves children without parents. He also spoke strongly against the use of bribes to stir hate speech or insults against political opponents.

He said every party and person has an equal right to campaign, and that political victory should come only through inspiring citizens with strong policies. He added that citizens have the right to say no to poor policies without hating the people behind them.

The forum ended with delegates agreeing that while political views may differ, the unity and sovereignty of South Sudan must not be broken.

They called on youth to act as protectors of peace, refuse to be used and make sure the democratic change moves the country forward.