South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has appointed returning officers and their assistants for all 10 states and three administrative areas ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 2026.
The appointments were announced in an order signed by NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, as the commission continues preparations for the polls.
Under the appointments, Emmanuel Angelo Maame was named State Returning Officer for Central Equatoria State, with Jackson Micheal Bambu appointed Assistant Returning Officer.
In Western Equatoria State, Taban Clement Oliver was appointed State Returning Officer, while Rita Samuel Laki Lojeng will serve as Assistant Returning Officer.
Ebadion Okano Albino was appointed State Returning Officer for Eastern Equatoria State, with Lemor William Joseph Lengor named as his assistant.
In Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Valentino Achak Deng was appointed State Returning Officer, while Bol Mayuol Mayuol will serve as Assistant Returning Officer.
William Malueth Ngor Aguer was appointed State Returning Officer for Western Bahr el Ghazal State, with Louis Peter Juma named as Assistant Returning Officer.
In Warrap State, Kiir Mangong Madut was appointed State Returning Officer, while Kuany John Dut Bol Thiel will serve as his assistant.
Dr. Benjamin Achiek Machar Angok was appointed State Returning Officer for Lakes State, with Hellena Aping Mannhomjong named as Assistant Returning Officer.
In Jonglei State, Nathaniel Dau Dut Ajang was appointed State Returning Officer, while Kun Chuol Kun will serve as his assistant.
Yien Chan Chol was appointed State Returning Officer for Upper Nile State, with Both Dual Mar named as Assistant Returning Officer.
In Unity State, Gatchang Nhial Kuol was appointed State Returning Officer, while Gatwech Mayah Puany will serve as his assistant.
Administrative areas
The NEC also appointed returning officers and their assistants for the three administrative areas.
For Pibor Administrative Area, Maze Gain Maze was appointed Administrative Area Returning Officer, with Samuel Oman named as Assistant Returning Officer.
In Ruweng Administrative Area, Chol Isaac Achuil was appointed Administrative Area Returning Officer, while Nathaniel Nyok Monyjok will serve as his assistant.
For Abyei Administrative Area, Ring Monydhang Deng was appointed Administrative Area Returning Officer, with Kur Alor Kur named as Assistant Returning Officer.
Legal basis
The appointments were made under Sections 18, 15(2)(p) and 26(1), (3) and (5) of the National Elections Act, 2012, as amended.
The order takes effect from the date of its signature.
Under the National Elections Act, returning officers are responsible for coordinating and supervising electoral activities within their respective jurisdictions on behalf of the National Elections Commission (NEC). Their duties include overseeing voter registration, voter education, polling arrangements, the deployment of election personnel and the management of electoral materials.
Assistant Returning Officers support the returning officers and may perform duties formally delegated to them in writing, subject to the provisions of the law.
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