Politics 22 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
South Sudan President Kiir Approves Election Law Amendments Ahead of December Vote
President Salva Kiir has signed amendments to South Sudan's election law, removing prerequisites for a permanent constitution and national census to pave the way for the December 22 general elections. The changes, however, have been rejected by the main opposition coalition. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/kiir-signs-election-law-changes-ahead-of-south-sudan-s-december-vote-5604846
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has enacted significant amendments to the nation’s electoral law, a move intended to facilitate the general elections scheduled for December 22. These changes, assented to on Monday, remove critical prerequisites previously tied to the election process, namely the completion of a permanent constitution and a national census.
This legislative adjustment is seen as a crucial step towards holding South Sudan’s first general elections since gaining independence in 2011. The amendments aim to align the National Elections Act of 2012 with the current transitional constitution, removing provisions that made the elections contingent on these foundational processes.
The South Sudan Opposition Alliance, a bloc of opposition parties party to the 2018 peace agreement, has voiced strong opposition to the amendments. They argue that the changes were implemented without sufficient consultation among the signatories of the peace deal, raising concerns about inclusivity and adherence to the established roadmap.
Under the new law, the current executive leadership will remain in office throughout the election period until a new president is inaugurated. However, the first vice president and other vice presidents are required to vacate their positions within three months before election day.
Furthermore, the legislation drastically reduces the size of the legislative bodies. The National Legislative Assembly will shrink from 650 to 270 members, state assemblies from 100 to 58, and legislative councils in administrative areas will be reduced to 20 members.
Despite these legal preparations, voter registration has yet to commence. Activists, like Edmund Yakani of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, are urging leaders to resolve political differences peacefully to avoid a return to conflict, emphasizing the nation’s fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement.