South Sudan Begins Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections

South Sudan commenced voter registration on November 14, 2026, in preparation for the country's first national general elections since gaining independence in 2011. The exercise, scheduled to run until November 28, aims to register eligible citizens across the country's 10 states and three administrative areas. A total of 3,161 registration centres have been designated for the process. However, logistical challenges and a tight timetable pose significant hurdles for the National Elections Commission.

In Malakal, Upper Nile State, Peter Mayom, chairman of the High Election Committee, confirmed that the committee had received the final consignment of voter registration materials on November 14. Ballot boxes had also arrived in the town, and registration had started on the same day. Mayom noted that materials had yet to reach some remote areas but were expected to arrive within two to three days. He cited difficulties transporting heavy equipment as one of the reasons for the delays.

Upper Nile State has 237 designated registration centres, with 1,659 registration officials expected to be deployed across the state. Mayom described the limited preparation time as a major challenge, noting that the registration exercise had been announced only a day before it began. He also cited logistical difficulties in transporting election materials to remote areas, including Longechuk and Maiwut counties. The state faces significant hurdles in ensuring a smooth registration process.

In Yambio, Western Equatoria State, a low turnout and limited public attendance were observed during the launch of registration at Centre No. 01. Simon Bakama Mande, chairperson of the State High Elections Commission in Western Equatoria, urged eligible citizens to turn out to register in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote. Bakama said registration officials had taken up their positions across the state, although arrangements were still being finalised in some areas.

In Central Equatoria State, registration began on November 14 at the headquarters of the State High Elections Committee. The chairperson of the National Elections Commission, Gabriel Bol Deng, urged eligible citizens to register within the announced period. He emphasised that voter registration is the foundation of a credible electoral process. The caretaker governor of Central Equatoria State, Augustino Jadalla Kamilo, called for inclusive participation and emphasised the role of elections in promoting peace and unity.

Despite the launch of voter registration, some residents of Juba expressed concerns about the lack of clear information about the number and locations of registration centres in the capital. They urged the commission to provide more information to help eligible voters participate in the exercise. In Western Bahr el Ghazal State, caretaker Governor Gen. Sharif Daniel Sharif was the first to register on November 14 morning at the Youth Centre in Wau.

The National Elections Commission has designated 3,161 registration centres and prepared thousands of registration books for the nationwide exercise. Registration is scheduled to close on November 28, leaving the commission with limited time to complete the remaining electoral preparations before polling day on February 11, 2027. The successful completion of voter registration is crucial for the country's first national general elections since independence in 2011.

Key points

• The voter registration exercise faces logistical challenges and a tight timetable.
• A total of 3,161 registration centres have been designated for the process.
• The registration exercise is a crucial step towards the country's first national general elections since independence in 2011.