A group Photo by Awuou Michael Chol | after the press conference at NEC HQs Juba on June 15^th 2026

By Awuou Michael Chol

South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially launched a nationwide civic and voter education campaign after receiving $6 million from the government to support preparations for the country’s planned elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Monday, NEC Chairperson Abednego Akok said the funding marks an important step in advancing electoral preparations and demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens are informed and prepared to participate in the electoral process.

Akok confirmed that the funds will be used to implement civic and voter education activities nationwide, helping citizens understand their rights, responsibilities, and voting procedures ahead of the elections.

“We have received 6 million dollars for civic and voter education,” Akok stated.

In addition to announcing the voter education campaign, Akok highlighted a significant milestone for the commission: the purchase of the former IDA Hotel property has been finalized.

“The building is now officially owned by the National Elections Commission and will serve as its permanent headquarters,” Akok added

According to Akok, securing a permanent office for the commission is a historic achievement that will benefit future generations and strengthen the institution’s long-term capacity.

“This is a very big achievement for us as South Sudanese. Because there is now a building for the Election Commission that will exist forever and serve generations to come,” he said.

The NEC chairperson thanked the government for supporting both the acquisition of the property and the commission’s ongoing electoral activities through financial assistance.

He explained that the recently released funding is specifically designated for civic and voter education programs, which are considered essential to ensuring public participation and awareness during the electoral process.

However, he noted that additional funding will be needed to support other key election-related operations in the months ahead.

The commission has already begun rolling out civic and voter education initiatives across South Sudan’s ten states and three administrative areas. The campaign aims to educate citizens about the importance of elections, voter participation, and the procedures involved in casting ballots.

While welcoming the government’s support, Akok emphasized that limited time remains one of the commission’s greatest challenges as preparations for the planned elections continue.

“The government has demonstrated its commitment to elections by availing these resources. Our main challenge now is the limited time available, and we hope resources will continue to be provided so that the elections can be conducted within the remaining period,” he said.

The launch of the voter education campaign comes as South Sudan steps up preparations for its anticipated elections. Electoral authorities continue to call for sustained support from the government, development partners, and other stakeholders to ensure a credible and successful electoral process.

South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first-ever general elections on December 26, 2026, to end the transitional power-sharing arrangement. Originally slated for 2015, the historic vote has been repeatedly delayed by conflict, a lack of funding, and incomplete transitional requirements.