South Sudan's caretaker foreign minister-designate, Cecilia Adut Manyok, addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 28, 2026. She stated that President Salva Kiir Mayardit remains committed to holding general elections on December 22. Manyok emphasized that the planned vote is a key step towards ending the country's prolonged political transition. The elections aim to provide the people of South Sudan with the opportunity to choose their leaders democratically.
Manyok's address came less than a week after President Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and appointed a caretaker administration. This move reshaped the country's political landscape ahead of the planned vote. The government recognizes that significant work is still required, including voter registration, political dialogue, security preparations, and civic education. Manyok stressed that the government is committed to creating conditions for peaceful political competition.
The planned election would be the first national vote since South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July 2011. Manyok acknowledged that electoral institutions need adequate resources and that political dialogue and security preparations must continue. She also called for the meaningful participation of women and young people, as well as refugees and internally displaced people. The National Elections Commission has been preparing electoral materials and procedures, including voter registration forms and registration books.
Despite the government's commitment to the December timetable, significant challenges remain. Voter registration is one of the key outstanding steps, and electoral authorities must register eligible voters across the country's 10 states and three administrative areas before polling can take place. The government and electoral authorities also face logistical challenges in a country where infrastructure remains limited and large numbers of people have been displaced by conflict and natural disasters.
Manyok's speech came days after President Kiir dissolved the transitional government and national legislature and replaced them with caretaker administrations. The move followed parliament's passage of amendments to the National Elections Act, which Kiir signed into law. The amendments provide a legal framework for the elections to proceed while caretaker institutions run the country during the electoral period. Kiir has said he will remain in office until an elected president is sworn in.
Political parties and other groups are continuing discussions on the conditions for the elections. An inter-party dialogue is underway in Juba, with participants discussing electoral and political issues ahead of the December vote. The talks come amid differing views among political actors over the timing and conditions of the election. Manyok emphasized that political disagreement must be addressed through dialogue.
Manyok described the planned elections as part of a long journey from the liberation struggle to independence, conflict, peace, and ultimately, democratic governance. She stated that President Kiir's generation fought for South Sudan's independence but now faces a different responsibility: consolidating peace and creating conditions for citizens to determine their political future through democratic means. The government aims to strengthen national security institutions while ensuring civilian oversight and respect for the rule of law.
Key points
- South Sudan's government is committed to holding general elections on December 22.
- The planned election aims to provide the people of South Sudan with the opportunity to choose their leaders democratically.
- Significant challenges remain, including voter registration, logistical challenges, and security concerns.
