South Sudan’s National Police Service on Thursday presented the Joint Elections Operations Center Assessment Report for the 2026 polls.
Speaking at the presentation, Maj. Gen. Sadik Ismail Sidigi, Chairperson of the Security Electoral Committee, said assessments had been conducted in all 10 states.
He said the evaluations aimed to ensure police stations and systems were operational, including repairing communication radios and assessing premises readiness.
Sidigi said joint operation centers would be established in all states to coordinate daily election reports.
“We have some challenges, but we have trained officers across all states and are awaiting specialized training that requires funding,” he said. “We will revisit our 2023 budget due to the depreciation of the South Sudanese pound and, in collaboration with the elections commission, finalize an updated budget.”
“The biggest challenge is the lack of buildings to house radios, computers, and other communication equipment. We must ensure facilities are ready before deploying resources,” Sidigi added.
For his part, National Elections Commission Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol emphasized that security and infrastructure are core requirements for credible elections.
“Security ensures public trust, safeguards voter registration, and protects the process until results are declared,” Akok said. “Training is needed at national, state, and local levels. If done properly, we will have an organized election.”
“Elections are a national responsibility, and all stakeholders must contribute. We need a budget for training, travel, and security,” he added.
Acting Interior Minister Mangar Buong praised the police leadership for working under financial constraints ahead of the polls.
“Forces are undergoing training, and orientations have begun. Budget is needed for capacity building, equipment, and deployment,” Buong said. “We have noted challenges and will address them to support the elections commission.”
Murat Isik, Police Chief of Staff for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said momentum was building in election security training.
“Our goal is to enhance professionalism through joint training with national police trainers,” Isik said. “This strengthens trust and operational coordination. I commend the Inspector General for his leadership and partnership.”
In November of last year, the signatories to the peace agreement unanimously agreed to extend the transitional period to early 2027, with national elections scheduled to take place in December 2026.
As South Sudan plans to hold elections in 2026, the gap between political promises and tangible progress has raised doubts among observers over whether the vote will be free, fair and inclusive.