South Sudan's caretaker Minister for East African Community Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, has stated that he will not contest the country's forthcoming elections, scheduled for December 22, 2026. Makuei made the remarks during the final funeral prayers for the late Bishop Emeritus Nathaniel Garang in Bor town. As a close ally of President Salva Kiir, Makuei emphasized that his removal from office, along with other officials, was linked to preparations for the elections.
Makuei explained that the electoral process would begin with the presidential election, followed by elections for governors, national and state legislators, and representatives of the administrative areas. He also mentioned that county commissioners, councillors, and other county government officials would be elected. Makuei urged residents of Bor to prepare for the election and emphasized the importance of voter registration.
The December election will be South Sudan's first national election since independence in 2011. The country last held national elections in 2010, before gaining independence from Sudan. Makuei highlighted that 16 years have passed since the last election, and the government has opted to hold one. He encouraged eligible voters to prepare for the process and assured them that the election would be held as scheduled.
Makuei sought to clarify that his remarks should not be interpreted as an early campaign for political office. He explicitly stated that he would not be a candidate in the forthcoming election. Additionally, he mentioned that other members of the caretaker government would also not contest the elections, as they are not allowed to campaign under the caretaker government law.
Makuei advised people planning to contest the elections to prepare early, saying they would have to contest either through political parties or as independent candidates. He referred to members of the former detainees group, known as the FDs, urging them to prepare through their political group. Makuei also emphasized that voter registration would begin soon, and eligible voters should prepare for the process.
The National Elections Commission has been preparing the voter registration process ahead of the December polls. The commission recently unveiled the voter registration book and said the exercise would cover South Sudan's 10 states and three administrative areas. Makuei highlighted the large number of young people who will be eligible to vote in the forthcoming election, having grown up since the last election in 2010.
Makuei, one of the country's longest-serving national ministers, having served in government since 2005, concluded by urging the community to get prepared for the coming election. He emphasized that eligible voters would have to register before casting their ballots and encouraged them to elect their preferred candidates.
Key points
- Makuei Lueth rules himself out of the December 2026 election.
- The election will be South Sudan's first national election since independence in 2011.
- Voter registration is set to begin soon ahead of the December polls.
