President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan has appointed Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as the new Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC). The swearing-in ceremony took place as the country prepares for the December 2026 elections. President Kiir praised the outgoing NEC Chairperson, Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, for his dedicated service to the nation. He expressed his gratitude and wished him well. The President urged the new Chairperson to build on the work already undertaken by the Commission and strengthen preparations for free, fair, and credible elections.
Gabriel Bol Deng Majok has been serving as Secretary-General of the National Elections Commission for one year and eleven months. In this capacity, he has been directly involved in the Commission's administrative and operational work, including electoral infrastructure, civic and voter education, and coordination with state electoral authorities. His experience and knowledge of the Commission's ongoing work provide continuity as the electoral process enters a critical stage. The President's press unit stated that his appointment elevates an official who is already familiar with the Commission's structures, responsibilities, and preparations for the elections.
The appointment of Gabriel Bol Deng Majok was welcomed by his fellow commissioners, who celebrated his elevation and expressed their support for the new chairperson. They thanked President Salva Kiir Mayardit for appointing a leader from within the Commission at a time when teamwork, institutional continuity, and collective leadership are crucial. The commissioners appreciated the President's decision, recognizing the importance of continuity and stability in the electoral process.
Gabriel Bol Deng Majok has pledged to lead the National Elections Commission with independence, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and integrity. He vowed that the Commission would work toward an inclusive, peaceful, and credible electoral process, ensuring every eligible South Sudanese has an opportunity to participate. The new NEC Chairperson emphasized the importance of working closely with his fellow commissioners, political parties, civil society, communities, and other electoral stakeholders as preparations advance.
The leadership transition occurs as the NEC continues its preparations for the December elections. The Commission is currently engaged in voter registration, civic and voter education, training of electoral officials, and strengthening its structures across the country. President Kiir reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the independent work of the National Elections Commission as it carries out its mandate and prepares the people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic rights through elections.
The President's press unit stated that Gabriel Bol Deng Majok's experience, professionalism, and knowledge of the Commission's ongoing work make him an ideal candidate to lead the NEC at this critical juncture. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure continuity and stability in the electoral process. The government has reiterated its commitment to providing the necessary support for the NEC to carry out its constitutional mandate.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant milestone in the electoral process, as South Sudan prepares for its December 2026 elections. The country's electoral stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the polls, which are expected to be a crucial test of the nation's democratic progress. With Gabriel Bol Deng Majok at the helm of the NEC, the Commission is poised to deliver a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Key points
- President Salva Kiir Mayardit has sworn in Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as the new Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) ahead of the December 2026 elections.
- Gabriel Bol Deng Majok has been serving as Secretary-General of the National Elections Commission for one year and eleven months, providing him with the necessary experience to lead the Commission.
- The new NEC Chairperson has pledged to lead the Commission with independence, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and integrity, ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
