South Sudan Ramps Up Preparations for Long-Delayed Elections

August 22, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

South Sudan is stepping up preparations for its December 22 general elections, with President Salva Kiir Mayardit urging the National Elections Commission to accelerate its work ahead of the long-delayed vote.

Kiir made the call on Friday after receiving a report from NEC chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol on the commission’s activities and assessment missions conducted across the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas.

The commission said voter registration is expected to begin soon, marking a key stage in the preparations. Akok urged all eligible South Sudanese to register and participate in the electoral process.

The NEC chairperson said the registration exercise would give citizens an opportunity to secure their participation in determining the country’s political future.

Kiir called on the electoral body to ensure that the necessary preparations are completed to conduct elections that meet public expectations and are credible, free and fair.

The approaching polls are placing renewed attention on the NEC’s readiness, voter participation and the ability of the electoral process to generate public confidence.

The December 22 election is expected to be a significant political milestone for South Sudan, where elections have been repeatedly delayed since the country gained independence in 2011.

Source: FSX Business News