By Lodu William Odiya
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) command has said servicemen and servicewomen must first resign to contest the December elections, following approval of the resignations of some military personnel seeking to contest.
In a statement addressed to servicemen and servicewomen, SSPDF spokesperson and Director for Media and Press, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, said military personnel aspiring to participate in the forthcoming elections must formally submit resignation letters to the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Administration, Personnel, and Finance.
The statement said the decision was approved by the highest leadership and command of the SSPDF to allow interested personnel to pursue their political ambitions in the upcoming elections.
“This brief statement serves to inform all our servicemen/servicewomen that the highest leadership and command of [the] SSPDF have given approval to those aspiring to contest in the forthcoming December 22, 2026, General Elections,” the statement partly read.
According to the spokesperson, the first requirement for any military officer or service member seeking to contest is to submit a duly written resignation letter through the designated military office.
“First and foremost, an aspirant must write and tender a duly written resignation letter to the SSPDF Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Administration, Personnel, and Finance,” the statement added.
The command further assured interested personnel that their applications would be processed without unnecessary delays once the resignation letters had been received.
“Upon successful receipt of the resignation letter, the SSPDF command will release you without further unnecessary delays,” the statement said.
The SSPDF also wished all military personnel intending to contest in the forthcoming elections good luck as they prepare to enter the political arena.
The announcement comes as political parties and aspiring candidates prepare for the December polls, which are expected to mark a significant step in South Sudan’s long-delayed electoral process.
The resignation requirement provides a formal procedure for military personnel who wish to leave active service and pursue elective positions. However, the statement did not specify the number of servicemen and servicewomen interested in contesting or the positions they intend to seek.
It also did not provide further details on the timeline for submitting resignation letters or whether additional administrative requirements would apply.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold its general elections on December 22, 2026, according to the announced electoral timetable.
As preparations continue, the participation of aspiring candidates from different backgrounds, including former military personnel, will depend on compliance with the applicable legal and administrative requirements.
The SSPDF’s announcement clarifies the command’s stated procedure for serving personnel who intend to participate in the electoral process while seeking release from military service.