Juba: South Sudan’s National Election Commission (NEC) has officially announced December 22, 2026, as the date for the country’s general elections. This marks a significant development in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

According to Anadolu Agency, NEC Chairperson Abednego Akok Kacuol stated that the election date aligns with both the National Elections Act and the extension of the transitional period outlined in the revitalized peace agreement, which extends until December 2026. Akok emphasized that the election will adhere to the stipulations set forth in the National Election Commission Act and the revitalized peace agreement’s extension.

During a press conference in the capital, Juba, Akok elaborated on the procedures, explaining that the commission is required to announce the election date in accordance with the constitution. This announcement will also be published in the official gazette, in two newspapers with nationwide circulation, on the commission’s website, and through mass media.

The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU) had previously extended the transitional period by two years in December 2024, pushing the end date to December 22, 2026. Akok mentioned that the NEC’s commissioners have been deliberating on the elections as mandated by the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and the National Elections Act of 2012, which was amended in 2023.

Akok highlighted the challenges facing the commission, urging the government to address existing legal gaps and provide necessary resources promptly. He underscored the importance of amending legal contradictions to facilitate the electoral process.

The NEC plans to initiate a nationwide voter registration exercise, aiming to complete it within one month. Akok assured that a detailed electoral timeline would be released soon, with registration expected to conclude in a month.

Reflecting on South Sudan’s history, Akok noted the familiarity with election procedures and mentioned the formation of an election security body last year, whose members have undergone training to ensure a smooth electoral process. South Sudan’s political landscape has been tumultuous since a 2013 conflict erupted following a disagreement between President Salva Kiir and then-deputy Riek Machar.