The National Election Commission (NEC) have said that the 2026 election depends on the decision from political parties on permanent constitution and population Census.
The parties to the 2018 peace agreement include the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A–IO), the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Former Detainees (FDs), and Other Political Parties (OPP).
After the detention of the First Vice President, the SPLM/A-IO which is the major opposition party becomes divided making it hard for parties to sit down and decide on the election.
As mandated by the Constitution and the National Elections Act of 2012 (as amended), the National Elections Commission (NEC) is solely responsible for the conduct of elections.
While addressing media, the Secretary of the National Election Commission (NEC) Gabriel Bol Deng revealed that the decision whether the country will go for election in 2026 or not rely in the hands of the peace parties.
“NEC is ready to conduct in December 2026 but there are key decisions that need to be done, number one the politicalparties that form the unity government if the delink population census from election, that census should not be a condition to hold election the election is visible” Bol said.
He added that according to the report from the South Sudan Bureau of statistic to conduct a really census it will take 14 months.
“Number two if the political parties and the government decided to delink constitution making process because according to constitution making the need 18 month, if these two activities if they are delinking from being a condition, then election is possible in 2026” he said
He added that the above reports have already been put to the parties awaiting their final decision.
Bol added NEC is prepared to ensure that the elections are conducted in 2026 as per their mandated.
“Election is possible because we still have 16 or 17 months, civic Education need 3 months, registration need three months within six months we can be done” he said
“These three key activities such as Civic Education, registration and declaration of candidate can be completed as well.
He called on the government and partners to avail necessary funding to support the work of the commission.
On his part George Lemi Yata Spokesperson of the NEC expressed that the commission has trained facilitators to carryout various training more especial at states level.
He added that with support from the partners, the commission offices across the country realized new structures and equipment.
Lemi reiterated commitment of the commission to ensure that necessary preparations toward 2026 election are put in place.
He added that with the current progress made by the commission elections are possible.
South Sudan has faced many challenges in its journey toward democratic elections since gaining independence in 2011. The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement stipulated elections be held after the transitional period which has now been extended to December 2026 when elections will be held.
However, political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources continue to hinder progress.
The NEC, established to oversee the electoral process, is tasked with implementing reforms to ensure transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.
