Abednego Akok, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission - Photo Credit: Charles Wote/Eye Radio - June 19, 2024

The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol, has called on South Sudanese citizens to actively participate in the upcoming general elections, describing voting as a constitutional right and a key pillar of democracy.

The appeal came as the commission officially announced December 22, 2026, as the date for the country’s general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, Prof. Kacuol urged eligible voters across the country to prepare for the polls and exercise their right to choose leaders through the ballot box.

He emphasized that voting remains the legitimate democratic means through which citizens can determine the future direction of the country and ensure peaceful transfers of power.

The NEC chairperson said every citizen has a responsibility to take part in shaping the nation’s governance by participating in the electoral process.

“Voting is a constitutional right of every citizen,” Prof. Kacuol said, urging South Sudanese to turn out in large numbers when polling day arrives.

He also called on the media to play a leading role in raising public awareness about the election date and educating citizens on the importance of participating in the democratic process.

The announcement of the election date marks a significant step in South Sudan’s preparations for its first elections since independence in 2011.

However, the commission acknowledged that several challenges remain and appealed to the government to expedite legal reforms and provide the resources required to enable the NEC to carry out its mandate ahead of the December polls.

South Sudan is expected to hold the elections at the end of the extended transitional period under the peace agreement roadmap.