South Sudan to Begin Voter Registration in November

The National Elections Commission of South Sudan expects to begin voter registration in early November to prepare for general elections on December 22, 2026. These polls would mark the first since the country gained independence in 2011 and are intended to conclude the transitional period established by the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng announced the timeline after meeting with African Union officials in Addis Ababa to secure financial and logistical aid. While the South Sudanese government is providing funding for headquarters and civic education, Bol Deng noted that resource shortages for logistics and public education remain primary challenges.

To support the process, the African Union pledged to deploy experts to Juba and proposed the creation of an election situation room for monitoring. Additionally, Nigeria, Algeria, and South Africa have offered various forms of assistance to ensure the elections proceed.