South Sudan prepares for its first general election since gaining independence in 2011

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After five postponements and over a decade of delays, South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first national election on December 22, 2026. The path to this vote has been marked by civil war, institutional challenges, and the consolidation of power, finally culminating in a transition toward a new government.

The journey toward this election began shortly after South Sudan's independence, with the initial constitution mandating a vote by July 9, 2015. However, that deadline was missed due to a combination of factors, including the outbreak of civil war, a lack of funding for essential prerequisites like a national census, and difficulties in drafting a permanent constitution. Over the following years, the election was repeatedly pushed back—to 2018, 2021, 2023, and 2024—as the transitional government navigated peace agreements and the slow process of building state institutions.

The political landscape has been defined by the leadership of President Salva Kiir and his relationship with figures like Riek Machar. In 2013, Kiir dismissed his entire cabinet, including Machar, sparking internal conflict and accusations of dictatorial intent. Despite these tensions, the National Elections Commission officially confirmed the current date in June 2026. By September 2026, President Kiir signed legislation to dissolve the transitional government, signaling a formal shift toward the electoral process. The government has emphasized that the final delay to late 2026 was necessary to finalize institutional requirements, such as political party registration.

The electoral structure is complex, utilizing a two-round system for the presidency and a multi-tiered approach for the 332-member National Legislative Assembly. Voters will cast three separate ballots: one for a single-member constituency representative, one for a women-only party list, and one for a general party list. Proportional representation seats require a party to secure at least 4% of the vote. Eligibility for candidates is strictly defined, requiring citizenship by birth, literacy, and the collection of 10,000 voter signatures across at least seven states. This framework represents a significant attempt to formalize governance in a nation that has spent its post-independence years in a state of transition.

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