The South Sudan National Elections Commission (NEC) has unveiled the voter registration book to be used in registering eligible voters ahead of the country's planned general elections on December 22, 2026. NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng presented the registration book to journalists at a briefing in Juba, saying it will contain voter information and registration cards issued to citizens after completing the registration process.
The registration book will have particulars such as the 10 states and three administrative areas of South Sudan, with each state assigned a definite number. Each registration book will carry a serial number, while individual registration cards will have unique serial numbers to help identify registered voters. The book will also include details such as county, geographical area, registration center, and other information required during the registration process.
The NEC logo and the words "Republic of South Sudan" will appear on the registration materials to authenticate them as official election documents. Registered voters will be given registration cards, which they will be required to keep safely and present on election day for verification. The NEC chair said printing of the registration books is expected to begin this week following approval of the registration materials.
The NEC will not wait until all registration books are printed before beginning distribution. According to Deng, the commission has already assessed and identified voter registration centers across the 10 states and three administrative areas. The official date for the start of voter registration will be announced after registration materials have been distributed to the centers.
The Commission has so far received $25 million from the government to support the electoral process. The government has a commitment to release more funding in the next few days to facilitate the printing and distribution of registration materials and other electoral activities. The NEC chair appealed to political parties and aspiring candidates to campaign peacefully ahead of the elections.
Officials urged politicians to present their ideas, manifestos, and visions to voters rather than resorting to violence. The NEC chair called on political actors to "convert their political ideas into ballot papers and not bullets," stressing the importance of allowing citizens to make their choices through the electoral process. The December 22, 2026 elections are planned as South Sudan's first general elections since independence in 2011.
The elections follow years of transitional arrangements and delays to the electoral timetable. The NEC's unveiling of the voter registration book marks a significant step towards the country's first general elections since independence. The commission's efforts aim to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process, with a focus on peaceful campaigning and voter participation.
Key points
- The South Sudan National Elections Commission has unveiled the voter registration book for the December 22, 2026 polls.
- The registration book will contain voter information and registration cards with unique serial numbers.
- The commission has received $25 million from the government to support the electoral process.
