The National Elections Commission of South Sudan has decided to postpone the country’s general elections, moving the date from 22 December 2026, to 11 February 2027.
This change was announced as part of a new, revised electoral timeline issued by the Commission.
The decision to postpone the polling date by approximately two months coincides with ongoing preparations for a nationwide voter registration process, which is scheduled to begin on November 14 and continue until 28 November 2026.
During a press conference held on Friday, the head of the commission, Gabriel Bol Deng, explained that the registration process will take place across 3,161 polling centers distributed throughout the country’s ten states and three administrative areas.
Furthermore, Deng revealed that 22,127 personnel have been recruited and trained to facilitate the registration of citizens, confirming that electoral materials and equipment have already arrived in the capitals of the states and administrative areas.
However, these materials have yet to be distributed to the individual polling centers; Deng noted that a comprehensive logistical plan is in place to ensure their delivery over the next two days.
The head of the commission urged all eligible citizens to visit the registration centers.
He further explained that applicants must present a national ID card, a passport, or any other official document that verifies their identity and age.
For citizens who lack official documentation, registration will be possible through special identification forms, completed with the assistance of traditional leaders.
This latest postponement raises further questions regarding the implementation of the electoral roadmap in South Sudan—a nation that has not held a single general election since gaining independence in July 2011.
This is due to repeated delays stemming from political challenges and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, which was intended to complete the country’s transitional phase.
(Voice of Emirates)
