By Awuou Michael Chol
South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially announced that the country’s long-awaited general elections will be held on December 22, 2026, marking a significant step toward implementing the peace agreement and advancing the country’s democratic transition.
The announcement follows the decision by the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity in December 2024 to extend the transitional period by an additional two years, postponing South Sudan’s first post-independence elections from December 2024 to December 2026.
Speaking at the commission’s headquarters in Juba, NEC Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol said the election date was declared in accordance with the National Elections Act 2012 (amended 2023), which requires the commission to announce the election date at least six months before polling day.
“The election will be conducted on 22 December 2026. As detailed in the National Elections Act and in line with the extension of the transitional period to December 2026,” Prof. Kacuol told journalists.
Citing Article 16 of the Elections Act, the NEC said the declaration meets the legal requirement for public notification of elections through official publications and mass media.
Despite setting the election date, the commission warned that several challenges could affect preparations for the polls.
“There are many challenges facing the Commission.” we strongly request the government to speed up amending the existing legal gaps and provide all basic needs within a short period to enable us proceed with our duties and responsibilities in the coming months,” Kacuol said.
He also urged citizens to participate in the electoral process, emphasizing that voting remains the legitimate means through which leaders are elected.
“The public is to be informed that their sovereignty is to vote during the election as the only way of getting into power,” he added.
During a question-and-answer session with journalists, election officials acknowledged that legal and financial hurdles remain major obstacles to the electoral process.
“There are legal contradictions which should be amended. The law must be amended,” Kacuol said, adding that the availability of resources is equally critical for the commission to develop a realistic electoral timetable.
Officials revealed that a detailed electoral timeline, including voter registration and voter education activities, is expected before the end of June.
“When we make it, we shall let you know within these few days. It will be out before the end of this month,” Kacuol stated.
Responding to concerns over the absence of voter registration six months before the elections, the NEC chairperson expressed confidence that the process could be completed within a relatively short period.
“Normally, registration of voters doesn’t take more than a month, and then the list will be out,” he said.
The commission also disclosed that funding remains a major concern. According to NEC estimates, approximately 250 million U.S. dollars are required to conduct the elections successfully.
“It is about $250 million, and we have been given about 21 million. The balance is to be brought so that we process the job,” Kacuol said.
The announcement comes as South Sudan faces increasing pressure from regional and international partners to implement key provisions of the peace agreement and deliver credible elections at the end of the extended transition period.
Leave a Reply