The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called on the government of South Sudan to organize an inclusive, transparent, and credible election in December 2026.
The Council made the call during its meeting on the status of South Sudan held on May 8, 2025, in which it extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) till April 30, 2026.
“Elections: Urges the transitional government to organize inclusive, transparent, and credible elections by December 2026, ensuring participation by women, youth, refugees, IDPs, and all political actors,” partly read the UNSC resolution.
It demands the urgent establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, Truth Commission, and Compensation Authority with protection for victims, witnesses, and civil society.
The Security Sector Reform was called for “full deployment, support, and integration of the Necessary Unified Forces with regular salaries, clear mandates, and accountability.”
The council further called for governance reform, emphasizing financial transparency, a single Treasury account, and anti-corruption frameworks to ensure proper use of national resources.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but it has yet to conduct its first democratic elections. The electoral process has faced repeated delays due to various challenges, including the civil wars of 2013 and 2016, funding shortages, and ongoing insecurity.
Despite these obstacles, recent developments indicate progress toward the 2026 elections.
The chairperson of the National Election Commission, Abednego Akok Kachuol, recently briefed President Salva Kiir on preparations, noting that functional offices have been set up in several states and administrative areas, with additional locations expected to follow.
The President’s office acknowledged UNMISS’s critical role in facilitating election readiness through office construction and personnel training.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, the UNSC and UNMISS continue to push for comprehensive reforms, ensuring South Sudan can deliver credible elections and reinforce its democratic institutions.
