South Sudan’s National Elections Commission Opens State Office In Juba

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) inaugurated a new office in Juba, dedicated to the State High Elections Committee, marking a significant step toward the country’s long-awaited general elections.

Scheduled for December 2026, these upcoming elections will be the first since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Previous attempts to hold elections have been thwarted by various challenges, including delays in conducting a national census, developing a permanent constitution, registering political parties, and implementing necessary security reforms.

During the opening ceremony in Juba, NEC Chairperson Abednego Akok Kacuol expressed optimism about the office’s establishment, indicating progress bolstered by support from the president’s office and the governor of Central Equatoria State.

Akok highlighted that the commission has also renovated offices in several states, including Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Warrap, with plans for their imminent launch. He extended his gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their valuable assistance.

The NEC chair emphasized that the new office signifies the approach of the elections but acknowledged existing hurdles, particularly gaps in the electoral legislation that need to be addressed. “Those familiar with the act will note discrepancies between the old and new versions. We urge leadership to fine-tune this document for better clarity,” Akok stated.

He also mentioned a recent dialogue with President Salva Kiir, who reiterated the government’s dedication to conducting elections before the transitional period concludes.

George Aggrey Owino, interim chair of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), stressed the crucial need for a secure environment to facilitate both campaigning and voting. “Elections will not achieve their intended results without security,” he stated, calling on political parties to emphasize dialogue and peaceful competition.

Kuol Manyang Juuk, head of the National Transitional Committee, addressed security concerns and reported recent improvements in stability in Upper Nile State, including areas once plagued by conflict, such as Nasir.

With increasing pressure on South Sudan’s transitional government to ensure credible elections amid years of turmoil and delays, the steps taken by the NEC represent a critical juncture in the country’s democratic journey.