South Sudan: December elections on the line

Written by: Ayman Ragab

Two main institutions overseeing political parties and constitution-making in South Sudan have warned of the possibility that preparations for the elections scheduled for December 2026 may fall behind schedule due to a lack of funding and the deteriorating security situation.

This warning came during a briefing provided by both the Council of Political Parties and the National Constitution Review Commission to the Joint Committee for Monitoring and Evaluating the Implementation of the Peace Agreement. The two institutions confirmed progress in registering parties and conducting nationwide constitutional consultations, but financial constraints and security challenges continue to threaten the completion of essential phases before the country's first elections since independence.

The Chairman of the Political Parties Council, James Akol Zakayo, said that the council has managed to expand political participation by registering new parties and strengthening its presence across the country.

A binding code of conduct for organizing peaceful election campaigns

He added, “I am pleased to announce that the number of legally registered and recognized political parties has now reached 39 parties, and we have completed the full registration procedures for five new parties, including the institutional transformation of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition into the IO Party, in addition to the National Democratic Movement and other parties.”

Zakayo indicated that the Council also adopted a binding electoral code of conduct to regulate peaceful election campaigns, media performance, and the use of state resources during the electoral process.

He explained that the council has deployed regional coordinators and inspectors in the ten states and three administrative regions to verify the parties' compliance with legal requirements, including the minimum number of members, and to ensure the representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

He said: “Inspectors are currently conducting field visits to verify the existence of local party offices, ensure the inclusivity of political participation for youth and people with disabilities, and review membership lists to confirm the requirement of at least 500 members in each state.”

Zakayou warned that the council is facing significant difficulties due to delays in funding, explaining that less than 40% of the approved financial allocations have actually reached the council, despite the Ministry of Finance’s pledge to fund the electoral process, according to “Radio Tamazuj.”.

He added that inspectors suffer from a shortage of vehicles, fuel, and communication devices, which has hampered verification operations, especially in remote provinces and areas.

The necessity of releasing the remaining financial allocations

He also pointed out that the security situation poses a significant challenge, as inspection operations have been suspended in a number of conflict-affected areas, including parts of Malakal, Akobo, Fanjak, Fashoda, and the Twic County, due to security risks.

The government was urged to release the remaining financial allocations, and security agencies and the UN Mission in South Sudan were appealed to for safe corridors for those in charge of the electoral process.

For his part, the Chairman of the National Constitutional Review Commission, Riank Yeer Zoar, announced that the commission has completed its civic education programs and public consultations in all ten states and three administrative areas.

He said: “By the end of April this year, the Commission was able to cover the remaining two states and three administrative areas, thus including consultations throughout the country.”

He clarified that the Commission is currently consulting with national institutions, including the judiciary, civil society organizations, the media, security agencies, and internally displaced persons, in preparation for drafting the country's permanent constitution.

He added that preparations to form the constitution-drafting committee have reached advanced stages, as recruitment procedures have begun, and the process of screening applicants and preparing the final lists is currently underway.

Lack of sufficient funding

Zouar confirmed, as is the case for the Political Parties Council, that a lack of funding and delayed disbursement represent the biggest obstacles to the Commission's work.

He said: “It is important to note that the most prominent challenges facing the Commission, as always, are the lack of adequate and timely funding to implement its activities.”

Despite these challenges, Zourr expressed optimism about the possibility of completing the permanent constitution before the end of the transitional period, in accordance with the 2018 peace agreement.

These warnings came one day after parliament approved controversial amendments to the 2018 peace agreement, which included postponing the implementation of national census requirements and the completion of a permanent constitution until after the elections scheduled for December 2026, despite opposition objections.

Underfunding and ongoing pending legal issues

Earlier this week, the Council of Political Parties granted full registration to five additional parties, while the National Electoral Commission announced that the voting process will take place in December 2026, in accordance with legal requirements that mandate announcing elections at least six months prior to their date.

The National Electoral Commission also warned that a lack of funding and ongoing legal issues could negatively affect the progress of preparations for the electoral process.

While allies of President Salva Kiir assert that elections will be held as scheduled, opposition forces, including factions associated with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition led by Riek Machar, believe that many provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, such as security sector reforms, drafting a constitution, and unifying the armed forces, have not yet been implemented. This raises questions about the availability of conditions necessary for free and credible elections.