On 26 March 2025, the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the State High Election Committees (SHECs) of Jonglei and Western Equatoria states organized consultative meetings with civil society organizations (CSOs) in Bor and Yambio.

The one-day event brought together 79 representatives of state-level CSOs (45 from Bor including 19 women, and 34 from Yambio including 13 women), including community and faith-based organizations, youth and women’s groups, as well as media representatives, to raise public awareness of the electoral process and strengthen relationships and partnerships between the NEC, SHECs, and CSOs. The NEC Board and Secretariat members from Juba also participated in these events. The NEC and SHECs informed of challenges associated to the electoral timeline – namely as related to the Constitution-making process timeline, political and legal clarity needed, in addition to financing. The discussion included topics and coordination on civic and voter education, voter registration, and overall election preparations at both national and state levels. Other topics covered included the inclusiveness of the electoral process, the neutrality of  NEC and SHEC members, the roles of and capacity building for electoral stakeholders, and collaboration in the electoral process, among others.

After the two events, the NEC and SHECs agreed to meet regularly to share information on the electoral process and coordinate the essential role CSOs play in the electoral process – as extended arms for civic and voter information, and as observers and watchdogs of the process. The CSO participants committed to strengthening collaboration with the election management body to ensure transparency and a coordinated approach to the electoral process. They also pledged to support comprehensive public awareness campaigns associated with civic and voter education upon clarity on the way forward.   The UN Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (UNIEAT), which includes the UNMISS Electoral Assistance Division and the UNDP South Sudan Electoral Support Project, provided both technical and financial support for the meetings.

The National Election Commission is preparing for national elections, scheduled for 22 December 2026. To implement elections, the NEC will rely on a field structure consisting of a High Committee at a state-level (SHEC) in each of the ten states.  Each SHEC consists of a chairperson, deputy chairperson, and three committee members appointed by the NEC.  

In April and May 2024, the members of the NEC visited the States to meet with stakeholders and consult about for SHEC appointments. On 17 June 2024, the Chair of NEC, Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol, announced the establishment of the High Committees at the State-level. The fifty (50) committee members took their oath of office in Juba on 11 July 2024 and will begin the task of refurbishing their offices.    

To prepare the SHECs for their task, NEC with the support of the UN-Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (UN-IEAT), will deliver an Induction Workshop from 08-11 October 2024 in Juba.