Photo Credit| Office of the President

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, clearing a legal path for South Sudan’s planned December 2026 general elections.

The amendment was signed on Wednesday, September 2, following its passage by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.

According to the Office of the President, the amendment separates the conduct of national elections from the completion of the permanent constitution-making process and the National Population and Housing Census.

The Office says this removes key legal obstacles and allows South Sudanese citizens to exercise their right to elect their leaders and government.

The assent follows a political process that began in December 2025, when the Expanded Presidency and political party leaders agreed on the need to proceed with elections and activate relevant provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

The amendment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement was assented to by President Kiir in July 2026, paving the way for further constitutional and electoral preparations.

The Office of the President says the constitutional amendment was subsequently developed, considered by the Cabinet, passed through the required legislative stages and approved by Parliament on September 1 before being submitted to the President for assent.

The development comes as South Sudan prepares for elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.

The government says the latest constitutional step will allow the country to move further into practical preparations for the elections.