WES Human Rights Commission warns against intimidation of Women Candidates ahead of December elections

With the general elections scheduled for December, Fozia said the Commission would remain attentive to possible human rights violations throughout the electoral process

By Emmanuel Mandella

Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission in Western Equatoria State, Fozia Margret Emmanuel (centre) has urged for the protection of women rights and fairness during polls.

The Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission in Western Equatoria State, Fozia Margret Emmanuel, has called on political parties and security agencies to protect women candidates from intimidation, discrimination and other human rights violations as the country prepares for the December 22, 2026 general elections.

Fozia said the Commission would monitor potential human rights violations during the electoral process and advocate for the protection of women seeking elective positions, stressing that female candidates must enjoy equal opportunities to compete fairy in the state.

Speaking to the City Review, Fozia emphasized that women’s participation in elections should not be fraught by intimidation, insecurity or unequal treatment, and called on the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and other political parties to ensure that women candidates are protected throughout the electoral period.

“I am here to raise my voice to see that this democratic election happening in South Sudan in December, it is done right. We are here to monitor violations. We are here to give protection to women candidates who are going to contest,” Fozia said.

She added that the Commission would focus on promoting women’s rights and ensuring that female aspirants receive equal opportunities to compete for political positions.

“And when they are contesting, they must be protected. Security must be provided for them. They must be taken care of, and the SPLM and other political parties must ensure that women are protected during this democratic election,” she said.

The Commission chairperson warned that women candidates should not face intimidation or threats as they engage in campaigns and other electoral activities.

She said political parties and relevant authorities have a responsibility to create a safe environment in which women can exercise their political rights without fear or discrimination.

Fozia also stressed that the Commission would monitor violations affecting women during the electoral process and raise concerns where their rights are threatened.

“Women should not be intimidated. They should be given proper protection as they contest, as they go through this competition,” she said.

Her remarks highlight concerns over the conditions under which women participate in political processes, particularly their access to security, equal treatment and protection from intimidation.

Fozia previously served as Commissioner of Mundri East County in Western Equatoria State after being appointed to the position in 2021.

She served until 2025, when she was relieved of her duties as county commissioner and subsequently appointed to lead the Human Rights Commission in Western Equatoria State.

Her experience in county administration precedes her current role in monitoring and advocating for the protection of human rights across the state.

With South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, Fozia said the Commission would remain attentive to possible human rights violations throughout the electoral process, particularly those affecting women candidates.

“We support our women, but we are here to monitor any violation that will happen during this democratic December 22, 2026 election,” she said.

Her call places emphasis on the responsibility of political parties, security institutions and relevant authorities to protect the rights of all candidates and ensure that women can participate in the electoral process on equal terms.

The Commission’s monitoring role will be important in documenting reported violations and raising concerns about the treatment and protection of candidates during the elections.

Utilities

“We support our women, but we are here to monitor any violation that will happen during this democratic December 22, 2026 election,”