JUBA — The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Gabriel Bol, says he is seeking electoral materials, technical assistance and logistical support from South Africa, with 67 days remaining before South Sudan’s scheduled general elections on December 22, 2026.
Bol made the remarks upon returning to Juba following an official visit to South Africa, where he met with counterparts to discuss cooperation in preparing for the elections.
He said the discussions aimed to translate an understanding between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa into practical support for the country’s electoral process.
According to Bol, the priority areas include the provision of essential electoral materials, technical assistance, capacity building for electoral staff and logistical support for election security personnel.
“We discussed several priority areas, including the provision of essential electoral materials, technical assistance and capacity building for our electoral personnel, uniforms and related logistical support for election security personnel, the development of secure identification and accreditation systems, and knowledge-sharing on electoral administration, drawing on South Africa’s experience in democratic elections,” Bol said.
He added that the discussions had laid the foundation for further cooperation between the two countries.
Bol said the commission would work with relevant South African authorities and institutions to implement the proposed arrangements and ensure that any support provided meets the commission’s needs in a timely and coordinated manner.
The NEC chairperson reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible, peaceful and inclusive elections, while upholding transparency, accountability and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
He also urged the media to work closely with the commission by providing accurate electoral information to strengthen public trust and encourage public participation in the polls.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011 on December 22, 2026. The vote is expected to mark a significant milestone in the country’s political transition.
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