Which offices are proposed for South Sudan’s December vote?
A caretaker minister says county commissioners and councillors will be elected later. A written NEC ballot decision is still needed.
Caretaker East African Affairs Minister Michael Makuei Lueth says the planned 22 December 2026 election will cover the presidency, state governors, administrative-area heads, and national and state legislators. County commissioners and councillors would be elected separately, on a date to be determined by the National Elections Commission (NEC), he said in remarks in Bor reported by Eye Radio on 28 September.
Makuei says the December vote includes
- President
- State governors
- Administrative-area heads
- National legislators
- State legislators
Makuei says elections will follow later
- County commissioners
- County councillors
What has the NEC confirmed?
The NEC has announced 22 December as the date for elections, but Eye Radio reports that it has not publicly identified every position that will or will not be contested. Makuei’s description is the government’s stated plan, not yet a complete NEC ballot notice. South Sudan Press has not independently reviewed an authenticated amendment or a formal commission decision establishing this ballot structure.
Why does the timing matter?
County commissioners and councils have authority over services and local administration. If their elections are held later, residents need to know who will appoint and supervise county officials in the meantime, and when those officials will face voters. The effects on payam and boma councils have not been clarified in the reporting reviewed for this article.
Questions requiring answers
When will local elections take place? Which law and NEC determination separate them from the December poll? Who selects interim county authorities? Will appointed officials have a role in campaign activity or election logistics? The NEC and government should publish a clear office-by-office schedule.