South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) says preparations for the country’s first post-independence general elections have made significant progress, but funding shortages, insecurity and logistical challenges remain major obstacles.
Speaking on 19 July 2026 in Juba, NEC Chairperson Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol said electoral structures have been established in most parts of the country, with commissioners appointed in nine states. He said only Malakal remains before the nationwide deployment is completed.
The elections, scheduled for December 2026, are expected to be a key milestone in South Sudan’s democratic transition and the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. The process will include voter registration, civic education, candidate nominations and polling.
Prof. Akok said the commission remains confident it can complete the remaining preparations if the government and stakeholders provide the required political commitment and financial support.
He identified insecurity as one of the biggest challenges, noting that some areas remain unstable and may require security assessments before voting can take place. The NEC will work with security agencies and international partners to determine safe locations for electoral activities.
Funding constraints also remain a concern. The commission has so far received about US$21 million for operational activities and an additional US$6 million for civic and voter education, but more resources are needed to complete voter registration and other preparations.
The NEC said it is working to ensure internally displaced persons and refugees are included in the elections, with registration centres planned in Protection of Civilians sites and South Sudanese embassies in neighbouring countries.
Prof. Akok urged citizens to participate in the electoral process, describing elections as a democratic right of the people. He said any postponement of the polls would be a political decision rather than a technical one, while stressing the commission’s commitment to the current timetable.