The National Elections Commission (NEC) in South Sudan has announced that the nomination process for candidates seeking elective positions in the country's February 2027 general elections will begin on November 29, 2026. According to the commission's revised electoral calendar, prospective candidates will have 15 days to collect the required signatures. This process will run until December 13, 2026. The commission has subsequently scheduled the formal submission of candidate nomination applications for December 14 to December 20.
The NEC has outlined a detailed timeline for the nomination process. The list of nominated candidates will be published on December 21, 2026, and will remain open for public scrutiny for seven days until December 27, 2026. During this period, objections can be submitted to the commission regarding nominated candidates. Following the objection period, the commission will allocate seven days, from January 4 to January 10, 2027, for corrections or rejection of nomination applications.
After the nomination process, the Supreme Court will review nomination-related matters. The court has been allocated seven days, from January 11 to January 17, 2027, to make decisions on these matters. The commission has set Monday, January 18, 2027, as the date for publishing the final list of candidates who will contest the general elections. This list will be crucial in determining the candidates who will participate in South Sudan's first general elections since independence in 2011.
The official election campaign period is scheduled to begin on Sunday, December 27, 2026, and will run for 45 days until Tuesday, February 9, 2027. A one-day silent period will follow on Wednesday, February 10, ahead of polling on Thursday, February 11, 2027. The campaign period is an essential part of the electoral process, allowing candidates to engage with voters and share their platforms.
The NEC's revised electoral calendar outlines the nomination, objections, verification, and final approval stages that prospective candidates must go through before being cleared to participate in the elections. The commission's efforts aim to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process. The February 2027 elections are significant for South Sudan, marking the country's first general elections since gaining independence in 2011.
The nomination process and subsequent stages are critical in ensuring that eligible candidates participate in the elections. The NEC's announcement provides clarity on the timeline, allowing prospective candidates to prepare and submit their applications accordingly. The commission's commitment to a transparent process is essential in building trust in the electoral process.
Key stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, are expected to play a crucial role in the electoral process. Their participation will help ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent. The NEC's efforts, combined with those of stakeholders, will contribute to a successful electoral process in South Sudan.
Key points
- The National Elections Commission in South Sudan has set November 29, 2026, as the start of the nomination process for candidates seeking elective positions in the country's February 2027 general elections.
- The nomination process will run from November 29 to December 13, 2026, followed by the formal submission of candidate nomination applications from December 14 to December 20, 2026.
- The February 2027 elections mark South Sudan's first general elections since independence in 2011.
