By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed that South Sudan will hold its long-anticipated general elections in December 2026.
The head of state ruled out any extension of the current political transition period.
Speaking at a public rally at Freedom Square in Aweil, Northern Bhar el Ghazal State (NBGs), Kiir said preparations for the polls are already underway.
“You all know that when the agreement time has ended, people go for elections. Our peace agreement is coming to an end, and we will go for elections in December 2026.
He further emphasised his personal return to the campaign trail in Aweil.
“I will come back here for a campaign. The campaign will start this coming July, and elections will be held in December 2026,” Kiir said.
Kiir also urged prospective contenders for the presidency to declare their ambitions early and participate openly in the democratic process.
“If there are those who want to contest for the presidency, they should declare themselves and get ready for the campaign so that we know them,” he added.
The remarks come as South Sudan continues to implement key provisions of the agreement, with the 2026 elections widely expected to mark a major milestone in the country’s post-independence political transition.
The rally in Aweil drew national and state officials, community leaders, youth groups, and residents who gathered to welcome the president during his visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
South Sudan has faced repeated delays in holding national elections since gaining independence in 2011, largely due to insecurity, political disagreements, weak institutions, and challenges in implementing peace agreements.
The 2018 agreement set out a roadmap toward a transitional government and eventual democratic elections.
However, key milestones such as the drafting of a permanent constitution, voter registration, census activities, and security sector reforms have often progressed slowly.
The current transitional period has been extended multiple times as parties in the unity government struggled to meet agreed benchmarks.
International partners and regional mediators have repeatedly urged full implementation of the peace deal to pave the way for credible polls.
The 2026 elections, if held as scheduled, would be South Sudan’s first general elections since independence, making them a critical test of political stability, national reconciliation, and institutional readiness.