South Sudan schedules first post-independence elections for December 2026
South Sudan is set to hold its first general elections since independence on 22 December 2026. Despite President Salva Kiir's insistence on the date, the country faces significant obstacles: no existing national voter register, millions of internally displaced people, poor infrastructure, and uncertainties over a new electoral law. The National Elections Commission plans to begin manual voter registration in early November, leaving less than two months to prepare. The transitional government dissolved in September 2026, increasing pressure to hold elections but also raising concerns about governance during any delay.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-12-22
South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first general elections since independence on 22 December 2026, aiming to end its post-conflict transition. President Salva Kiir and his government have repeatedly affirmed the election date.
The elections are intended to replace the current power-sharing government, formed under the 2018 peace agreement between the ruling South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the opposition SPLM-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
However, preparations face major challenges. The National Elections Commission plans to start manual voter registration in early November 2026, leaving less than two months before polling day. South Sudan currently lacks a national electoral register, requiring the authorities to register voters, verify the register, confirm candidates, prepare ballots, and organise polling nationwide within a tight timeframe.
Additionally, millions of South Sudanese are internally displaced due to ongoing conflict and live far from their home areas, many without valid identification documents. Poor infrastructure, including difficult access to remote communities and seasonal flooding, further complicates logistics.
Uncertainty also surrounds a recently amended electoral law, which is intended to regulate the electoral process but whose implications remain unclear.
The transitional institutions established by the 2018 peace deal were dissolved in September 2026 and replaced by caretaker arrangements. This increases pressure to hold elections on time, as further delays would prolong a government operating without parliamentary oversight, weakening checks and balances.
South Sudan’s population is estimated at 12.5 million, with 80% living in rural areas across 10 states and three administrative areas, adding to the complexity of election preparations.