South Sudan’s army has directed serving military personnel aspiring to contest in the December 22, 2026 general elections to formally resign from military service before pursuing political office.
The directive comes amid growing interest among military officers in contesting for various political positions, following the SPLM’s recent exercise to collect application forms from members seeking to participate in the party’s primary elections in Juba.
During the exercise, several military officers were seen pursuing application forms for different elective positions, raising questions about the participation of serving members of the armed forces in the political process.
The army’s announcement also follows a warning by the SPLM Secretary-General against military personnel seeking elective positions without first retiring from active service.
In a statement issued for immediate release, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said military personnel intending to contest in the forthcoming elections must submit written resignation letters to the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Administration, Personnel and Finance.
According to Lul Ruai, the SSPDF command has approved the release of personnel who wish to pursue political ambitions upon receipt of their resignation letters, adding that the process should be handled without unnecessary delays.
The directive outlines the military’s position on serving personnel seeking to enter electoral politics as political parties prepare for the December polls.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, 2026, with political parties undertaking preparations for their respective primary elections and candidate selection processes.
Lul Ruai concluded by wishing military personnel aspiring to contest in the elections good luck in their political ambitions.
