21/10/2026
The Vice President, CEO, and Focal Point of the African Women’s Lobby (AWL) in the USA has declared her intention to contest the Presidency of South Sudan as an independent candidate. This is a powerful and inspiring step that sends a strong message to women in South Sudan: dare to dream, dare to lead, and dare to make history! Her courage and ambition serve as a great source of motivation for women and girls, reminding them that leadership has no gender.
Please read her declaration below.
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DECLARATION OF INTENT TO CONTEST THE PRESIDENCY OF SOUTH SUDAN AS AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE
I, Rose Joseph Oduho, declare my intention to seek nomination for election as President of the Republic of South Sudan as an independent candidate.
As a person of South Sudanese parentage, I assert my claim to citizenship by descent and my right to have my eligibility assessed fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the Constitution and applicable electoral law. Living in the diaspora does not diminish my connection to South Sudan or my commitment to its people.
I invoke the constitutional principles reflected in Article 26 concerning political participation and Article 45 concerning citizenship through a South Sudanese mother or father. I seek a lawful determination of my eligibility under Article 98 and the applicable electoral legislation, including duly enacted amendments.
If any authority maintains that my residence abroad, foreign citizenship, or citizenship status prevents me from standing, I request a written decision identifying:
1. The exact constitutional article, statutory section, or regulation relied upon.
2. The relevant amendment, its adoption and assent dates, and its commencement date.
3. Its official publication and the reasons it applies to my circumstances.
4. The procedure and deadline for challenging that decision.
I am prepared to provide the evidence required to establish my nationality and eligibility and to comply with lawful nomination requirements. I ask the National Elections Commission to provide the current independent presidential nomination package, supporting-signature requirements, applicable fees, and submission deadlines.
I challenge any attempt to exclude me solely because I live abroad without a valid legal basis. Electoral qualifications must be applied consistently to all candidates, and any refusal of nomination must be reasoned and open to lawful review.
The answer to failures in constitutional implementation is faithful and equal application of the Constitution. My declaration is a call for accountability, lawful participation, and respect for the right of citizens to offer themselves for public service.
I offer myself in a spirit of peace, unity, and service. The people of South Sudan deserve the opportunity to choose their leadership through a credible, inclusive, and democratic election.
Signed: Rose Joseph Oduho
September 18th 2026
Source: https://www.facebook.com/roselyn.oneka