The appointment was disclosed by SPLM-IO Interim Leadership Secretary-General Agok Makur during a meeting on Monday, July 6, with Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Governor and SPLM-IO State Chairperson Karlo Andrew Akwo. Achiro accompanied Akwo during the meeting, according to a statement issued by the party.

The meeting reviewed the party’s activities in Eastern Equatoria State, including achievements, ongoing programs and challenges facing the organization.

During the discussions, Achiro briefed the SPLM-IO leadership on preparations being undertaken by the National Elections Commission ahead of the elections scheduled for December 2026.

Achiro, a prominent media and civil society leader, has previously served as Executive Director of the Community Media Network (CoMiNet) and Director of Bakhita Radio. She is widely known for her work in media development, civic engagement and advocacy for press freedom in South Sudan.

She was appointed to the commission alongside Hon. Francis Luigi Adwok, although she reportedly missed the swearing-in ceremony after arriving late.

At the swearing-in ceremony held at the Office of the President on Friday, July 3, Minister in the Office of the President Africano Mandey said the two electoral officials were nominees of the SPLM-IO Interim Leadership faction headed by Stephen Par Kuol to the elections body.

The ceremony was witnessed by SPLM-IO Interim Chairperson Stephen Par Kuol and National Elections Commission Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol.

Achiro’s appointment brings extensive experience in media development, public communication and civic participation to the Elections Commission, which is overseeing preparations for the country’s planned elections.

Background

The National Elections Commission was originally reconstituted through Republican Decree No. 230 for the Year 2023 on the Reconstitution and Appointment of Members of the National Elections Commission.

The decree states: “Pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.4, read together with Section 11.1 of the National Elections Act, 2011, Amended Act 2023, I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, do hereby reconstitute and appoint members of the National Elections Commission as hereunder.”

The decree was issued under the hand and seal of the President of the Republic of South Sudan in Juba in November 2023.

The composition of the NEC is guided by the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 2018 and the National Elections Act, which provide for representation of the peace parties and other stakeholders in key national institutions.

Under the arrangement, political parties signatory to the peace agreement nominate members alongside representatives from civil society organizations, academia, business associations, women, youth, media organizations, persons with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced persons, among other stakeholders.

In November 2024, President Kiir further reconstituted the commission, appointing members drawn from different political parties and stakeholder groups in line with the peace agreement and electoral laws.

Under the current composition, Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol of the SPLM retained his position as Chairperson of the NEC, while Michael Yabagayo of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) was appointed Deputy Chairperson. Mac Maika Deng was also retained as the Chief Electoral Officer.

The National Elections Commission is expected to play a pivotal role in organizing and supervising South Sudan’s electoral process as the country prepares for what is expected to be its first general election since gaining independence in 2011.

With her appointment, Achiro joins the electoral body at a critical moment as preparations intensify for the December 2026 polls, widely viewed as a major milestone in South Sudan’s democratic transition and implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.