The Office of the President continues to drive the national agenda under the leadership of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. This latest engagement reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing South Sudan’s developmental and peace objectives as the nation prepares for its upcoming democratic transition.

JUBA, July 8, 2026 – His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has received a comprehensive briefing from the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol, on the country’s electoral preparedness, with discussions focusing on outstanding territorial issues, geographical constituency, and the roadmap toward the December 2026 general elections.

During the meeting, Prof. Akok presented an update on the Commission’s preparations and highlighted unresolved issues concerning Abyei and Twic, Ruweng and Mayom, and Kafia Kingi as key challenges requiring urgent political decisions ahead of the Votter Registration.

The NEC Chairperson said the disputed areas require tailored political solutions to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully, credibly, and inclusively.

“These issues require urgent political decisions before the conduct of the elections. The only way forward is to provide each of these areas with a solution that best addresses their respective political interests,” Prof. Akok said.

Among the issues raised was the decision to separate the current Abyei and Twic Constituency No. 1 into a standalone Abyei Constituency, with the Twic areas that previously formed part of the shared constituency being reassigned to Twic Constituency No. 2.

The Commission further proposed that Abiemnom and Mayom temporarily share a single constituency. Under the proposal, the areas of Mayom currently grouped with Abiemnom would subsequently revert to the Mayom constituency, while Abiemnom would become a standalone constituency.

According to the Commission, these proposed adjustments are intended as temporary administrative measures to facilitate peaceful and inclusive elections in sensitive areas, particularly those involving administrative areas and territorial claims. The arrangements would be reviewed through the appropriate political and constitutional processes following the elections.

Prof. Akok also briefed President Kiir on the electoral timeline, noting that significant decisions were reached during the meeting.

“We also discussed the electoral timeline, and I am pleased that we reached a good resolution, which will be announced to the public within the next two to three days,” he said.

The NEC Chairperson further informed the President that the Commission has acquired new office premises and requested His Excellency to officially inaugurate the facility as it begins the next phase of its work.

“We now have a new office, and we look forward to the leadership inaugurating it so that it begins its work with a strong image before the nation,” he added.

President Kiir commended the leadership and members of the National Elections Commission for the progress made in preparing the country for the elections and encouraged the Commission to continue its work with professionalism, transparency, and impartiality.

The meeting comes as South Sudan intensifies preparations for the 22 December 2026 general elections, with the Government and the National Elections Commission working closely to address outstanding political, legal, and administrative matters considered essential to delivering credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections.

— Analysis and additional reporting by Juba Global News Network.