The leader of the United South Sudan Party (USSP), Compt. Paulino Lukudu Obede, has urged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to lift restrictions on the movement of political leaders. This call comes ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, with Lukudu emphasizing that political freedoms and an open operating environment are crucial for an inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral process. The USSP leader and former Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State made this appeal in a 12-point roadmap letter submitted to the National Elections Commission (NEC).
In October, the President’s Office imposed a travel ban on constitutional office holders, military personnel, and police officers, prohibiting them from leaving the country without permission. Although President Kiir later lifted the general travel restrictions on government officials, a new system requires prior authorization for both foreign and domestic travel. According to Republican Order Number 36-10/2026, senior government officials must obtain written permission from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, along with endorsement from the Presidency, to travel abroad. Former senior officials also need prior approval from the presidency before traveling outside the country.
The restrictions on movement could hinder the ability of political leaders to engage with supporters and participate freely in the electoral process, Lukudu expressed. He appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to remove these movement restrictions. Additionally, the USSP urged the NEC to ensure that polling centers are accessible for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and those who are ill. The party also raised concerns about insecurity in potential electoral hotspots and the need for robust election security arrangements.
The USSP leader also highlighted diminishing civic space and the lack of funding for political parties as mandated by the Political Parties Act of 2012. He stated that the party reaffirms its readiness to engage in the electoral process at all levels. The USSP called on the NEC to provide stakeholders with regular updates on preparations to enhance transparency, public confidence, and electoral credibility.
The USSP urged the NEC to clarify its preparedness, including the start of voter registration, boundary delimitation, publication of the voters’ register, and the announcement of the official campaign period. Lukudu recommended establishing an Election Special Court to address electoral irregularities and an Early Warning Center with a toll-free hotline for reporting election-related incidents.
As South Sudan approaches the general elections on December 22, 2026, political and electoral stakeholders continue to voice concerns regarding preparations, security, and the conditions necessary for credible polls. The USSP’s concerns and recommendations reflect broader calls for a conducive environment for free and fair elections. The party’s engagement with the electoral process aims to ensure that the upcoming elections are credible and inclusive.
The USSP’s appeal to President Kiir and the NEC underscores the importance of addressing the challenges facing the electoral process in South Sudan. The party’s readiness to participate in the elections is contingent on the fulfillment of these conditions. The NEC and the government must address these concerns to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, inclusive, and credible.
Key points
- The USSP leader urges President Kiir to lift restrictions on the movement of political leaders ahead of the December 22, 2026 elections.
- The party raises concerns about insecurity in potential electoral hotspots and the need for robust election security arrangements.
- The USSP recommends establishing an Election Special Court and an Early Warning Center to address electoral irregularities and report election-related incidents.
