In a major development on South Sudan’s political roadmap, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has received a comprehensive report on the country's electoral readiness from the Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC), Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol.
Both leaders reaffirmed that general elections will be conducted on December 26, 2026, honoring commitments made in the revitalized peace agreement and recent dialogues among political parties.
A Milestone Toward Democratic Transition
The confirmation of the election date is seen as a critical step toward ending the transitional period, which has been in place since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018.
The general elections are expected to pave the way for a legitimate, democratically elected government and put an end to years of interim governance and delays.
“The general elections are not just a political obligation they are a promise to the people of South Sudan,” said Prof. Akok during a press briefing in Juba.
Funding and Security Directives Issued
To ensure that the electoral process moves forward without financial or logistical obstacles, President Kiir has directed the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to release the necessary funds to the Commission.
According to Prof. Akok, this financial support will enable the NEC to carry out voter registration, civic education, logistics, and electoral operations on time.
In addition, security agencies have been instructed to cooperate closely with the NEC to safeguard all stages of the process from preparation through to the announcement of results. This includes deploying forces to protect electoral offices, materials, staff, and voters.
Electoral Infrastructure Expanding
The NEC has already made tangible progress. Fully equipped and functional electoral offices are now operational in six out of the ten states.
Construction of offices in the remaining states and the three administrative areas is ongoing.
The establishment of these offices is essential for localized voter registration, training of electoral officers, and effective public outreach.
Prof. Akok emphasized that the Commission will soon convene a major stakeholder meeting, bringing together political parties, civil society, and international partners to evaluate recent progress and strategize on the next phase of implementation.
Call to Citizens: Prepare to Vote
As the preparations advance, Prof. Akok appealed to all citizens to begin preparing for the elections by engaging in civic education, obtaining identification documents, and staying informed about voter registration timelines.
“These elections are not just about choosing leaders they are about giving South Sudanese people the power to shape their future,” he said.
The Road Ahead
Although the announcement is a positive signal, challenges remain. South Sudan continues to grapple with sporadic insecurity, logistical difficulties in remote areas, and limited financial resources.
Analysts stress the importance of continued political will, cooperation among peace partners, and international support to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
The upcoming months will be crucial. The world will be watching, and the people of South Sudan will be expecting nothing less than transparency, peace, and progress.
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