Opposition Leader questions NEC’s readiness for December 2026 polls

By Jenifer James

The United South Sudan Party (USSP) has raised fresh concerns regarding the National Elections Commission’s (NEC) preparedness to conduct the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. The party is calling for urgent clarification on outstanding electoral requirements and greater transparency in the electoral process.

In a 12-point submission to NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng on Tuesday, USSP leader Compt. Paulino Lukudu Obede outlined critical outstanding requirements, including the commencement of voter registration, constituency boundary delimitation, publication of the voters’ register, and the announcement of the official campaign period.

Obede also expressed concerns about election security, dispute resolution mechanisms, insecurity in potential electoral hotspots, restrictions on the movement of political leaders, shrinking civic space, and the non-release of political party funding as mandated by the Political Parties Act of 2012.

Among its recommendations, Obede called for the establishment of an Election Special Court to address electoral irregularities, an Early Warning Centre equipped with a toll-free reporting line, the publication of geographical constituencies, and capacity-building programs for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Leagues.

He further appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to lift restrictions on the movement of political leaders and urged NEC to ensure that polling centers are accessible to persons with disabilities, older persons, and the sick.

Obede reaffirmed the party’s readiness to participate in the electoral process at all levels of government while urging NEC to provide political parties and other stakeholders with regular updates on preparations to promote transparency, public confidence, and electoral credibility.

In his submission to NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng, Obede stated that the party had continued preparing for the elections but remained concerned about the country’s readiness to conduct the polls as scheduled.

“On behalf of the leadership, leagues, and members of the United South Sudan Party, I would like to bring to your attention some inquiries we have had for far too long regarding election preparedness and commitment to conduct elections on December 22, 2026,” Obede said.

He noted that USSP had undertaken several activities to prepare for participation in elections at all levels of government and in all elective positions as stipulated in the Elections Act of 2012, as amended.

“USSP has prepared to participate in the upcoming elections at all levels of government and in all elective positions as provided by the Elections Act of 2012, as amended,” he said.

Obede explained that the party had restructured and strengthened its organizational structures across the states, administrative areas, and the diaspora, while holding regular meetings involving its leadership and members.

He added that USSP had approved nomination forms for members seeking elective positions and established ad hoc committees at both the national and state levels to oversee the nomination process.

The party has also launched public outreach programs aimed at introducing its activities and engaging citizens.

Despite raising concerns over outstanding electoral requirements, Obede acknowledged NEC’s efforts and the challenges it faces in preparing for the elections.

“We recognize the progress made regarding the National Election Commission’s preparation to ensure the conduct of the first-ever election in South Sudan,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for the Commission’s commitment and work, despite the challenges affecting the process.

Obede urged NEC to provide regular updates on electoral preparations, stating that transparency and timely information are essential for building public confidence in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting an impartial and accessible electoral process.

Deng stated that voter registration would be conducted in person at 3,161 designated centers nationwide.

South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first general elections on December 22, 2026. However, with voter registration still pending, questions remain regarding the timeline for completing key electoral preparations ahead of the planned polls.