A prominent South Sudanese lawyer, Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele, has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the country's planned December 22, 2026, general elections. He is the Chairperson of the National Patriotic Movement (NPM) and previously served as chairperson of the South Sudan Bar Association (SSBA). This announcement makes him the second political figure to declare interest in the presidential race, following incumbent President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Kornelio Kon Ngu, chairperson of the National Alliance.
The candidacy of Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele was announced by the party's Secretary-General, Gatkouth Biel, during a press conference on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Gatkouth stated that the party's Governing Council had endorsed Muzamil as its candidate for the country's highest political office. The NPM plans to announce candidates for other positions, including governors, members of the national and state parliaments, and local government representatives, in the coming week.
Muzamil's entry brings the number of publicly announced presidential contenders to at least three. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who has led South Sudan since independence in 2011, has been endorsed by the SPLM as its flag bearer for the presidential race. Kornelio Kon Ngu, chairperson of the National Alliance, a coalition of political parties, has also declared his intention to contest the presidency.
The National Patriotic Movement welcomes the dissolution of the transitional government and the appointment of a caretaker administration, as well as the planned inter-party dialogue and Muzamil's nomination as the party's presidential candidate. However, Muzamil expressed concerns about the composition of the newly appointed caretaker government, stating that most of the officials appointed were members of the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), with little consultation with registered political parties.
Muzamil urged President Kiir to ensure that caretaker officials remain neutral and fair in carrying out their duties. He also warned against appointing officials with records of corruption and urged authorities to prevent the use of public resources for political campaigns. The NPM calls on its members, the general public, and the international community to support the upcoming 2026 general election.
The coming months are expected to see more political parties announce their presidential candidates, as well as nominees for parliament, state government, and local government positions. For the NPM, the endorsement marks the beginning of its campaign to take its chairman from party leadership to the presidential ballot.
As the country prepares for the 2026 general elections, various stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments in the presidential race. The elections are expected to be a significant milestone in South Sudan's history, marking a transition from the transitional government to a fully elected government.
Key points
- Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele, a prominent South Sudanese lawyer, has announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election.
- The National Patriotic Movement has endorsed Muzamil as its candidate for the presidential race.
- The 2026 general elections are expected to be a significant milestone in South Sudan's history, marking a transition from the transitional government to a fully elected government.
