The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG) and its allied political parties have endorsed plans to proceed with the December 2026 elections without completing two critical preconditions; the national population census and the permanent constitution-making process.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during a high-level meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit with leaders of political parties participating in the transitional government.
The discussions focused on removing remaining obstacles to the end of the transitional period and laying the groundwork for the 2026 elections as outlined in the peace Roadmap.
SPLM Secretary General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit announced that the parties had unanimously agreed to amend several provisions of the Revitalised Agreement to fast-track preparations for the polls.
He said the agreed amendments aim to eliminate administrative delays and ensure that the elections take place as scheduled.
Dr. Akol further stated that the political leaders resolved to defer the permanent constitution-making process and the national population census to the post-election period.
These major tasks, he noted, will be handled by the elected government to allow for broader participation and a more stable environment.
However, the high-level meeting took place without the participation of the main SPLM-IO faction led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, which remains excluded from these political consultations.
Machar and seven other senior members of his camp are currently entangled in an ongoing legal process, with government authorities accusing them of serious offenses including crimes against humanity, treason, murder, and other related charges allegations they have strongly denied.
Their continued restrictions and pending court case have left the SPLM-IO leadership effectively sidelined from key transitional discussions.
The parties at the meeting also agreed to form a political committee drawn from the participating parties to address unresolved issues, as well as a legal committee chaired by the Minister of Justice to guide the required legislative amendments.
The group say the resolutions signal a renewed determination among the attending political groups to push the country toward a peaceful transition of power.
They hope the decisions taken will help consolidate stability and open the way for a more democratic and cohesive South Sudan as it approaches the 2026 elections.
