South Sudan's National Elections Commission Meeting with Parties Ends Without Definitive Timeline

South Sudan's National Elections Commission (NEC) recently held a high-level consultative meeting with registered political parties and stakeholders in Juba to discuss preparations for the December 22 general elections. The meeting, convened by NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng, aimed to brief parties on the electoral roadmap and key milestones. However, participants expressed concerns about the feasibility of holding the polls on schedule due to uncertainty over outstanding electoral activities.

According to attendees, NEC did not provide specific dates for completing outstanding activities or explain how it intended to meet the December deadline. Participants said NEC promised to publish an updated electoral timeline but did not indicate when it would be released. Some expressed doubts about the feasibility of holding the vote on December 22, suggesting late January or February 2027 as possible alternative dates.

NEC reportedly told participants that it was 80% ready for the elections and had secured funding for preparations, including voter registration. However, when parties sought details of the remaining activities and deadlines, the commission did not provide definitive answers. One participant noted that the meeting failed to address concerns about NEC's administrative and logistical capacity to organise the elections and its compliance with legal requirements.

Party representatives raised concerns about NEC's readiness, with one stating that the commission had failed to answer questions and concerns about its administrative and logistical readiness. The representative added that they were preparing their legal position to share with the NEC leadership and determine the way forward for the sake of peace and stability.

Funding for political parties and the security of their leaders were also discussed during the meeting. Although NEC said funds had been secured for its preparations, the chairperson of the Political Parties Council (PPC) noted that the council had not received funding to support parties' participation in the electoral process. Several parties called for financial assistance to enable them to organise and participate in the elections.

Former cabinet affairs minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro raised concerns about the safety of political party leaders during the campaign period. NEC and PPC officials reportedly said responsibility for their protection rests primarily with the elections security committee. South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first general elections on December 22, 2026, following years of delays to the transitional political process.

The country has faced persistent challenges in preparations, including delays in voter registration and concerns about institutional, financial, and logistical capacity. NEC has yet to announce a date for the start of voter registration. The commission's ability to meet the December deadline remains uncertain, with some observers suggesting that holding elections on time may be impossible.

Key points

• The National Elections Commission (NEC) met with political parties to discuss preparations for the December 22 general elections but failed to provide a specific timeline for completing outstanding electoral activities.
• Participants expressed concerns about the feasibility of holding the polls on schedule due to uncertainty over outstanding electoral activities.
• NEC reportedly said it was 80% ready for the elections and had secured funding for preparations, but failed to provide definitive answers to parties' questions about its readiness.