Doran |Juba, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding national elections in 2026, calling the polls a critical step toward resolving the country’s long-standing political struggles.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day at the University of Juba, Minister Makuei emphasized that elections are the only democratic path to ending the persistent power struggles that have undermined peace and stability in the country.
“The election is the only way to resolve the scramble for power in this country,” he stated, addressing hundreds of journalists, media professionals, and stakeholders gathered for the occasion.
The Minister also pledged the government’s support for the media in the lead-up to the elections, including plans for capacity-building programs and professional training for journalists. He underlined the crucial role of the media in fostering transparency, accountability, and civic engagement during the electoral process.
Makuei urged journalists to uphold professionalism and adhere to ethical standards in their reporting, especially as the country approaches the critical electoral period. He also encouraged close cooperation between the media and the Media Authority, the regulatory body overseeing journalism in South Sudan, to promote press freedom and protect the rights of journalists.
“Journalists must maintain professionalism and work closely with the Media Authority to advocate for media freedom,” he added.
World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3rd, was observed this year on a later date due to the weekend. The event brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, academia, and international partners to reflect on the state of press freedom in South Sudan and reaffirm commitments to strengthening the media landscape.
