The government of South Sudan has reaffirmed its commitment to holding the country’s first general elections on December 22, 2026, signaling the end of the transitional period that has led the country since 2018. In a high-level statement this week, Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny confirmed that the administration will transition to a caretaker government by October 2026 and is ready to lead the historic vote, which has been repeatedly postponed in the past.
However, the path to the election remains fraught with significant legal and logistical hurdles. To ensure the December deadline is met, the Council of Ministers, led by President Salva Kiir, recently approved controversial amendments to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. These amendments aim to decouple the election timetable from long-standing prerequisites, such as the completion of a national census and the drafting of a permanent constitution.
“The cabinet has unanimously adopted the amendment bill to proceed with the electoral process and avoid falling into another ‘extension trap’,” Minister Ateny told reporters.
Despite the government’s self-confidence, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has warned of potential “delays” in preparations due to a critical lack of resources for voter registration and civic awareness. Notwithstanding these warnings, Minister Ateny insisted that the necessary funding for the election would be sourced from oil and other domestic revenues. Recent economic reports indicate that oil production has reached approximately 157,000 barrels per day following the return of key pipelines to operation earlier this year, which is expected to provide Juba with the essential financial capacity.
However, the security situation remains deeply concerning. Last week, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and several foreign embassies expressed “grave concern” over the escalating conflict in northern Jonglei. Ongoing clashes in Akobo between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLM-IO have continued to intensify, displacing more than 276,000 people since the end of last year.
The international community and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) have urged caution. They pointed out that a successful election requires more than just picking a date on a calendar; it demands public trust and a safe environment for voters. In a message to the government, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Major General Charles Tai Gituai (referred to as George Owinow in the source) stressed that any amendments to the peace agreement must follow protocols of dialogue and consensus involving all signatory parties.
