South Sudan has officially set December 22, 2026, as the date for its long-awaited general elections, a key milestone in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
National Election Commission (NEC) Chairperson Abednego Akok Kacuol announced the date at a press conference in Juba on Monday, June 22, stating that it aligns with the National Elections Act and the extension of the transitional period under the Peace agreement until December 2026.
Akok said the commission would soon begin a nationwide voter registration exercise, which is expected to be completed within one month. He added that a detailed electoral timetable would be released before the end of June.
While reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conducting the polls, Akok highlighted several challenges, including legal gaps and resource constraints, and urged the government to expedite legislative amendments and provide the necessary support for the electoral process.
The elections are expected to be South Sudan’s first national vote since gaining independence in 2011. The transitional Government extended the transition period by two years in December 2024 to allow more time for the implementation of the peace agreement.
South Sudan descended into civil conflict in December 2013, following a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy, Riek Machar, which split the Army and triggered widespread violence.