South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has revealed that the official date for the country’s long-awaited general elections will be announced in June, as preparations gather pace ahead of the planned polls in December 2026.
The update came during a meeting between President Salva Kiir and the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, Professor Abednego Akok Kacoul, held in Juba on Thursday.
During the meeting, Professor Akok briefed the President on the progress made by the Commission as the country prepares for what is expected to be a landmark vote in the young nation’s political history.
He said the Commission is currently finalizing key logistical and operational arrangements required to conduct the elections, which are scheduled for December 2026.
According to Akok, the NEC plans to formally announce the exact polling date in June, a move expected to trigger a series of nationwide electoral activities including civic education and voter registration.
He explained that the Commission is preparing to roll out civic education programs across the country to inform citizens about their electoral rights and responsibilities.
At the same time, a nationwide voter registration exercise will be launched to ensure eligible citizens are able to participate in the upcoming polls.
“With only about eight months remaining before the elections, the Commission is intensifying preparations to ensure that all key processes are conducted in a timely and transparent manner,” Akok told the President during the briefing.
The NEC chairperson also noted that the elections will be conducted across 102 geographical constituencies covering the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas, a structure designed to allow citizens from all parts of the country to elect their representatives.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on technical and operational challenges, including the demarcation of constituencies and logistical requirements needed to manage the complex electoral process across South Sudan’s vast and sometimes inaccessible regions.
President Kiir emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the electoral preparations, stressing that credible and well-organized elections are critical for the country’s democratic transition and long-term stability.
He assured the Commission that the government remains committed to providing the necessary financial resources, logistical support, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure the elections are conducted successfully.
“The government will avail the necessary support to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly and in accordance with the law,” the President reportedly told the NEC leadership.
For his part, Professor Akok welcomed the President’s continued engagement with the electoral process, describing the meeting as an important signal of political commitment to the preparations.
He said the Commission values the guidance and encouragement from the presidency as it works toward delivering credible, peaceful, and orderly elections for the people of South Sudan.
