South Sudan President Salva Kiir has directed the Minister of Finance and Planning to provide necessary funds for electoral process in the country.
Till now the National Election Commission (NEC) continue to appeal to Ministry of Finance and Planning to release fund meant for preparation for election.
In 2024, the NEC estimated budget for election activities at approximately $250 million which can also be amended should demand arise.
As the country prepare for election, the election commission remain on its toes to meet its mandate of conducting transparency election for the country.
While briefing President Salva Kiir on the achievement and the challenges faced by the institution, Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol the Chairperson of the National Election vowed to ensure that elections are conducted as scheduled.
As part of the NEC engagement with the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity(R-TGoNU) on election preparation, Akok expressed that some of the task has been implemented.
Speaking to the Media, NEC chairperson revealed that the President has directed the Minister of Finance and Planning to release necessary fund for electoral process.
“President has instructed the Ministry of Finance to release funds for the electoral process” Akok said.
He added that after meeting the President, the government urged will support the commission to achieve its mandate of conducting election in 2026 as scheduled.
The Chairperson of election Commission revealed the plan meeting with primary stakeholders aimed at speedup the processes.
Prof. Akok added that a meeting with the primary stakeholders will be held soon to review the latest initiatives aimed at expediting the electoral process.
He urged the people of South Sudan to prepare for the upcoming elections, which will mark the conclusion of the transitional period.
He added the Commission currently has fully equipped offices in six states, while construction is ongoing in the remaining states.
Recently the Chairperson called for the release of the fund in order to ease the work of the election commission
In 2024, the institution estimated budget for election activities at approximately $250 million which can also be amended should demand arise.
While this figure has faced criticism, the commission believedit is justified given the scope of our operations in the ten states and three administrative areas.
Last week the National Election Commission (NEC) 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.
