As South Sudan prepares for the highly anticipated elections next year, National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok has reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the election timelines.
He emphasized that the commission remains steadfast in adhering to the election date as outlined in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and the subsequent extensions of the transitional period.
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.
Prof. Akok told Radio Tamazuj that once NEC gets approval from President Salva Kiir, they will formally unveil their plans to the public. He, however, highlighted the significant challenges facing the commission, particularly the shortage of resources and prevailing insecurity, but reassured the public of his unwavering commitment to holding the elections.
“No country operates for 10 years without elections. Elections are very important and are a promise made in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005,” he stated. “The citizens are waiting for the elections.”
He acknowledged the ongoing political tensions in the country but expressed confidence that they will not derail the electoral process.
“The current political tensions in the country are between the government and its rivals, and will not hinder the elections,” Prof. Akok said. “As for the insecurity, it is between the government and those it is fighting with. This political tension is not for the electoral commission, but between the government and political parties.”
When asked about the specific challenges, he mentioned limited resources.
“The second is the budget, and it is based on resources. The issue of resources is in the hands of the government, and we shall discuss all these in the coming days,” he concluded. “On the side of training, the electoral staff will be trained by the United Nations.”
However, Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), doubts the country will be able to conduct elections as scheduled in December 2026. He contends that the ongoing tensions between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in opposition (SPLM-I0) are likely to jeopardize the little peace and trust that was attained after the 2018 revitalized peace agreement was signed.
“I am not optimistic that elections will be conducted within the remaining period, unless there are some miracles,” he said.