By Yiep Joseph
National Election Commission (NEC) has announced that it has made progress in preparing for the 2026 elections, despite facing funding gaps.
Addressing the media on Friday, Gabriel Bol Deng, the Secretary of the Commission, stated that continuous engagement with partners and stakeholders has contributed to this progress.
“Despite funding challenges, the NEC has made strides by collaborating with partners and the government to ensure critical tasks are accomplished,” Bol said.
He emphasized that the NEC is committed to training and equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to choose their leaders and understand how democracy works.
Bol also affirmed that the NEC is prepared to conduct the elections in 2026 as mandated.
“Elections are feasible because we have 16 or 17 months remaining. Civic education requires three months, and registration also needs three months; within six months, we can complete these tasks,” he explained.
He highlighted that key activities such as civic education, registration, and the declaration of candidates can be accomplished within this timeline.
He called on the government and partners to provide necessary funding to support the Commission’s work.
“We appreciate our partners and the government, but we urge them to provide both technical support and financial assistance to help us prepare the country for the elections,” he said.
Bol emphasized the need for collaboration among political parties, civil society, and the international community to tackle the challenges ahead.
He appealed to the signatories of the peace agreement to cooperate and make political decisions that will facilitate the elections in 2026, assuring that the Commission remains committed and ready to conduct the elections.
As stipulated by the Constitution and the National Elections Act of 2012 (as amended), the NEC is solely responsible for overseeing elections.
Secretary Bol expressed that, with support from the government and partners, the Commission has initiated training programs and conducted visits to various parts of the world to equip themselves with relevant knowledge.
In addition to the learning tours for commissioners, the Commission has also empowered state chairpersons with the necessary skills to fulfill their duties.
Bol noted that with assistance from partners and the government, the Commission has begun developing rules and promoting civic education through training for various stakeholders.
He added that election offices have been established in states and administrative areas to expedite civic education at the grassroots level.
“We are focused on empowering the institution and informing citizens on how to choose their leaders and understand democracy,” he said.
George Lemi Yata, spokesperson for the NEC, stated that the Commission has trained facilitators to carry out various training sessions, particularly at the state level.
He noted that, with support from partners, the Commission’s offices nationwide have received new structures and equipment.
Lemi reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that necessary preparations for the 2026 elections are put in place.
He affirmed that, given the current progress, elections are indeed possible.
South Sudan has faced numerous challenges on its path to democratic elections since gaining independence in 2011.
The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement mandated elections to be held after the transitional period, which has now been extended to December 2026.
However, political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources continue to impede progress.
The NEC, established to oversee the electoral process, is tasked with implementing reforms to ensure transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.