JUBA — Five South Sudanese political parties have rejected the government’s plan to hold general elections in December 2026, arguing that the country does not yet have the necessary conditions for credible, free, and fair polls.
The parties — including the Real SPLM led by Pagan Amum, the South Sudan Salvation Movement (SSSM) associated with Nhial Deng Nhial, Paul Malong Awan’s South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A), Thomas Cirillo’s National Salvation Front (NAS), and Stephen Buay’s South Sudan People’s Movement (SSPM) — said the current political and security environment remains unsuitable for a nationwide election process.
In a joint position, the groups raised concerns over unresolved political issues, security challenges, and what they described as a lack of sufficient preparations required to guarantee an inclusive and transparent electoral process.
The rejection adds to growing debate over South Sudan’s electoral timetable, as the country prepares for its first national elections since independence. The polls are scheduled to take place on 22 December 2026 under the current transition arrangements.
The parties’ position comes amid continued disagreements among South Sudanese political actors over electoral readiness, implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, and the broader political environment ahead of the vote.
Meanwhile, the Political Parties Council (PPC) has stated that the party of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar has been registered by Minister of Cabinet Affairs Stephen Par Kuol, according to reports. The development has yet to resolve wider disputes among opposition groups regarding participation and electoral preparations.
The government has maintained that preparations for the elections are moving forward, while critics continue to call for further reforms and guarantees before voting takes place.
