2026 Election Countdown: NEC unveils voter registration book

The National Elections Commission, NEC, says voter registration is set to begin after approving the official voter registration book ahead of the December 2026 General Elections.

The Commission said the approval clears a key legal and administrative requirement for the start of the registration process.

The decision on Tuesday was taken during an Extraordinary Session of the NEC Board, which also approved regulations to guide the Commission’s Secretariat and State High Elections Committees.

Speaking at a press briefing in Juba, NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng said the Commission has now moved from planning to implementation, with about 90 days remaining before polling day.

The approval follows Parliament’s passage of amendments to the National Elections Act, 2012, and President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s assent to the changes.

The amendments provide for expanded voter registration and participation by South Sudanese citizens in the diaspora and people in lawful custody.

The NEC has also appointed Ahon Malou Lueth as Acting Secretary General following Bol Deng’s resignation from the position after his appointment as Chairperson.

Bol Deng says the leadership change will not affect preparations for the elections.

“This leadership transition will not disrupt preparations for the December 2026 General Elections. Preparations are advancing, institutions are functioning, and the elections remain firmly on course.”

The NEC reaffirmed the General Elections are scheduled for December 22, 2026.