December 2026 General Elections: Are We Truly Prepared?

By Ater Garang Ariath, Aweil, South Sudan

Saturday, 07 March 2026 (PW) — There must be rational thinking and theoretical analysis whether the country is prepared politically and economically to organize the first ever general elections comes December 2026.

At personal level, there are a lot of issues that need the country leadership to address them first before even thinking to announced the preparedness for the general elections next year

In the complex and volatile national situation, we are confronted with unprecedented risks and challenges in stabilizing reforms in different vital institutions and development, dealing with domestic and foreign affairs, national defense and improving the governance of the party, the state and the army.

Frankly, democratic institutions in the country are far from mature and fully established, some institutions and mechanisms are yet to be refined or not functioning effectively, for instance the National Elections Commission (NEC) which to a certain degree indicate lack of possibility to hold general elections.

Therefore, we must take more rigorous stride in restoration of peace and stability in the country first before officials went on the stage and delivered a scintillating speeches calling for next year general elections.

Establishment of fundamental institutional system in key areas in modernizing capacity for governance in all aspects should be the priority than elusive general elections.

The political battle to win the hearts and minds of poverty and hunger stricken South Sudanese civil population is indeed uphill for the leadership of Sudan’s People Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the party cannot organize the said elections blindly

 President Salva Kiir Mayardit, alongside his party’s Secretary General, Comrade Akol Paul Kordit  and other prominent party leaders, have voiced their commitments and readiness for  conducting general elections in December 2026, but nothing practically on ground to convince critical thinking South Sudanese and the region.

 This should be admirable and crucial political endeavor undertaken by the founding party of our nation but it is as usual by raising the hope at the beginning and disappointment at the end.

 It is incumbent upon our leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment by providing critical steps like of full funding of the National Elections Commission and other vital institutions to ensure free, fair and transparent elections as the public rally their calls for political detainees to be released to participate in elections too.

Informed opinions suggest that the public is not only eager but also well-prepared to actively participate in the 2026 general elections, in line with the revitalized agreement roadmap.

The citizens anticipate their President and other stakeholders in the revitalized peace agreement to find common ground, particularly concerning the vital task of stabilizing security and economic situation of the country.

The general elections are plausible if peace and stability attained and in return allowing citizens to choose their leaders without panic of insecurity here and there.

The SPLM’s proposed preparation must evolve beyond political rhetoric, and South Sudanese voters must also prepare themselves rigorously, cultivating political awareness and resilience as we engage the leadership to ensure necessary steps are taken into consideration.

Political leaders must adapt to be more responsive to their constituents’ needs and collaborate to find solutions that benefit the people. Both competing political parties must demonstrate flexibility and recognize that the fate of over 12 million South Sudanese citizens hangs in the balance.

Political rhetoric regarding elections should not rest solely on the shoulders of leaders. It is imperative to analyze recent political development between the two influential factions that have shaped our country’s politics to prevent a repeat of the 2013 catastrophe.

Our citizens yearn for a democratic political system characterized by civility and robustness, where leaders compete and coexist. This country belongs to all South Sudanese, and the power held by the SPLM belongs to them. They are not merely followers; they are also architects of their nation’s policies.

The populace has the right to express their opinions on the feasibility of the 2026 elections and exercise their choices during the forthcoming elections.

In democratic societies, the government and the people must reach a consensus on significant matters, and general elections are of paramount importance. Civil society organizations and established democratic institutions must ensure citizens engagement in election consultations, rather than relying on power-driven political parties.

We must seek solutions locally, as South Sudanese intellectuals should rally the masses for the right political cause, countering escalating political confrontation and polarization within the country.

The South Sudanese electorate must act as mediators between politically conflicted factions. A breakthrough in the political deadlock between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and detained First Vice President Riek Machar Teny can only come from the South Sudanese people, not external powers.

SPLM and SPLM-IO leaders must feel the pressure to make decisive action of implementing the reforms as dictated by the revitalized agreement, which is now on verge of total collapse.

 This challenge is for all members and supporters of different political parties within the revitalized peace agreement.

Patriotic South Sudanese citizens have a grave responsibility to explore every avenue for peaceful general elections. Our leaders must align their actions with their words, as the ordinary citizens of South Sudan fervently call for these elections. Leaders should earnestly discuss and resolve the obstacles and impediments in the path to ensure that elections can proceed.

It is imperative for political forces and security institutions in the country to hold political symposiums urgently before preparing for the scheduled general elections next year. The future of a democratic South Sudan rests entirely on political forces governed by relevant laws. We, as citizens, should gauge the intentions of other political entities regarding elections, fostering a meaningful debate to prevent a destructive power struggle.

This is our only hope to avoid a resurgence of violence when the revitalized transitional government of national unity concludes its term, similar to the events of 2013. Regional parties should facilitate dialogue and bring all political parties together to prepare for next year’s general elections.

In conclusion, all political parties’ signatories to the revitalized peace agreement must commit themselves to facilitate democratic processes as demanded by the diverse South Sudanese population.

Ater Garang Ariath is a South Sudanese journalist with Bachelor Degree of English and Literature at University of Bahr El Ghazal and Postgraduate Diploma of International Relations and Master of Transformational Leadership and Governance at University of Juba, National Transformational leadership Institute (NTLI) and pursuing Master of Arts in International Relations (IR) at University of Juba  and former Secretary General of Defunct Aweil East State, resides in Juba, Republic of South Sudan, and can be contacted at [email protected].

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