South Sudan Cabinet Approved Bill To Clear Way For December 2026 Elections
South Sudan’s Cabinet has approved a constitutional amendment bill aimed at clearing the way for the country to hold its planned elections in December 2026.
The bill, approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Friday, seeks to amend the country’s Transitional Constitution to address legal requirements that could otherwise delay the elections.
The proposed amendments would allow the electoral process to move forward without first adopting a permanent constitution or conducting a national census.
However, the Cabinet’s approval does not make the amendments law. The bill must still be considered and approved by Parliament before it can be forwarded to President Kiir for assent.
The move comes as South Sudan continues preparations for its long-awaited elections, which are expected to mark an important step in the country’s political transition.
The planned elections have faced concerns over several outstanding issues, including the constitutional framework, census requirements and other preparations necessary for credible polls.
The latest Cabinet decision is therefore intended to remove some of the legal obstacles surrounding the electoral timetable and keep preparations for the December 2026 elections on course.
The final outcome will depend on Parliament’s consideration of the proposed constitutional amendments and the subsequent presidential assent.
South Sudan has been working towards elections as part of its broader political transition following years of conflict and delays to the implementation of its peace process.
The December 2026 polls are expected to be closely watched both nationally and internationally as the country seeks to advance its transition towards a more permanent political and constitutional order.
