The National Patriotic Movement has endorsed its chairman, Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele, as its presidential candidate for South Sudan's December 2026 general elections. This move positions Makelele to contest against incumbent President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The endorsement was announced during a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The endorsement comes at a critical stage of the electoral process, with political parties now preparing to nominate candidates and mobilize supporters ahead of the polls. President Kiir announced on September 22 that the transitional government would be dissolved in line with the legal requirements governing the election period. This dissolution marks the beginning of the final three months before the scheduled elections.
During the press conference, the NPM outlined key conditions needed for a credible electoral process. The party called for equal political space for all parties and candidates, impartial application of the law, and equal access to public media during the election period. NPM emphasized the importance of fairness in the application of electoral and other relevant laws as political parties move into the campaign period.
The NPM's call for a level playing field comes as South Sudan prepares for the first general elections since independence in 2011. The country's elections have previously been postponed during successive transitional periods. The party said it will unveil additional candidates for other elective positions in the coming weeks, including state governorships, national and state legislative assemblies, and local government positions.
According to the Political Parties Council, dozens of political parties have been registered to participate in the 2026 electoral process. This reflects a field that is expected to include multiple presidential and legislative contenders. NPM is among the parties registered to contest the elections, with Issa Muzamil Sebit listed as its leader.
Makelele has previously advocated for South Sudan to proceed with elections rather than extend the transitional period. In 2023, while serving as chairman of the then National Patriotic Party, he argued that insecurity in parts of the country should not automatically prevent elections. He also called on the government to provide adequate funding to the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council.
With the NPM now having formally selected its presidential candidate, attention is expected to turn to the party's forthcoming parliamentary, gubernatorial, and local government nominations as South Sudan moves closer to the December polls. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has urged political actors to use inter-party dialogue to build consensus and support a peaceful electoral process.
Key points
- National Patriotic Movement endorses Issa Muzamil Makelele as presidential candidate.
- Elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
- NPM calls for equal political space and impartial application of the law.
