At least 33 youth are undergoing a three-day training on the electoral process in the Eastern Equatoria State capital, Torit.
The training, organized by EVE Organization and funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to prepare the youth to effectively participate in the 2026 elections.
The participants include young women and men, returnees, IDPs, civil society members, and persons with disability.
According to the EVE Organization Program Manager Peter Lemmy Noka, the training would enable the youth to understand their roles before, during, and after the election. He said early preparation is vital for the success of the 2026 General Elections because most youth lack election skills.
“We are going to be here for three days. We want to prepare you for elections because, according to the peace agreement, elections are expected to happen at the end of the transitional period,” he said. “Some were born after the 2010 General Elections when Sudan was still one, so we need to prepare them early.”
For his part, Torit Municipal Council Deputy Mayor for Administration and Finance Philemon Lopieta, questioned the fate of the upcoming elections as insecurity continues to plague the country. He urged the government to create a conducive environment for all to participate without fear or panic.
“What type of election do you want? What is the proof that it will be democratic, free, and fair? How will elections be conducted when the country is experiencing insecurity?” he asked. “Do we prepare for elections or a raid?”
Meanwhile, the Eastern Equatoria State Secretary for Youth Union Member Affairs, Joseph Vigilio, urged the youth across the country to prepare themselves and educate communities on the upcoming elections. He applauded the EVE Organization for the training and called on the government to end the ongoing conflict.
“We are urging the youth across the country to prepare themselves in educating their communities on the electoral processes,” he stated. “We are urging for the election to be conducted peacefully.”