South Sudan must go to polls in December, says Kuol Manyang

Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juk has called on South Sudan to proceed with its general elections scheduled for December 2026, despite continued insecurity in some parts of the country.

Speaking during the launch of the national Civic and Voter Education Program in Juba earlier this week, Kuol said the country cannot afford another delay after nearly 15 years without holding elections.

He argued that insecurity should not be used as a reason to postpone the polls, recalling that elections were held in Sudan during periods of conflict while fighting continued in some areas.

Kuol said the elections must be conducted in a free and fair manner to allow citizens to choose their leaders.

“We have gone 15 years without elections, and we want this to stop. There must be elections in December this year. There are people who do not want elections, and this will not take us forward. Despite the fighting, we must go for elections. During the fighting with Northern Sudan, there was fighting in some parts of the country while elections were conducted. The elections must also be free and fair,” Kuol said.

His remarks come as the National Elections Commission intensifies civic and voter education activities ahead of the planned December 2026 general elections.

The commission has called on political parties, civil society organizations, development partners and other stakeholders to support voter awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging public participation in the electoral process.