South Sudan's National Elections Commission (NEC) has unveiled the voter registration form and registration book to be used in the upcoming electoral process. The unveiling was done by NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng Majok on Tuesday, September 22. The voter registration form is a crucial step in the electoral process, allowing citizens to exercise their political rights. The launch came a day after lawmakers passed the Election Act No. 12 Amendment Bill, 2026.
The Election Act No. 12 Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by lawmakers on Monday, September 21, and assented to by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the same day. This paved the way for the commencement of preparations for the voter registration process. The NEC Chairperson described voter registration as a fundamental step through which citizens exercise their political rights. He assured citizens that the Commission would announce the registration date before the exercise begins.
The voter registration form and registration book contain identification and geographical information required to register voters across South Sudan's ten states and three administrative areas. The book carries the NEC logo, state and county details, geographical numbers, registration centre information, book numbers, and individual registration card serial numbers. Each voter will receive a registration card after completing the registration process.
The registration card symbolizes the voter's supreme right and will be required to be presented on polling day. The NEC Chairperson explained that the secrecy of the ballot is central to the voting process. Election officials will be responsible for counting and determining the will expressed by voters after polling stations close. Voters will cast their ballots privately inside a voting booth.
The NEC has previously said it will conduct voter registration manually, in person, and on paper nationwide, before entering registration information into its computer systems. The Commission has also said that registration had not yet started and that the official dates and registration centres would be announced through its public channels. The unveiling comes as South Sudan prepares for the scheduled December 22, 2026, general elections.
The NEC Chairperson said the unveiling of the registration materials marked an important moment in South Sudan's electoral preparations. The Commission's responsibility will be to accurately count and determine the votes cast for the various positions, including the presidency, governors, members of parliament, and other elected offices. The NEC Board had approved the registration form, and citizens were assured that the Commission would announce the registration date before the exercise begins.
The voter registration process is a critical step in South Sudan's electoral process, and the NEC is expected to announce the official registration dates and centres soon. The Commission's efforts are aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. The unveiling of the voter registration form and book is a significant milestone in the country's preparations for the general elections.
Key points
- The NEC has unveiled the voter registration form and book, a crucial step in South Sudan's electoral process.
- The registration process will be conducted manually, in person, and on paper nationwide.
- The NEC has not yet announced the official registration dates and centres.
