The National Elections Commission (NEC) on the 26th of May 2025, officially inaugurated the State High Electoral Committee (SHEC) office for Central Equatoria State in Juba, marking a significant step toward South Sudan’s long-awaited general elections scheduled for December 2026.
The event, held in Hai Game, was officiated by Chief Electoral Officer Hon. Mac Maika Deng and brought together senior national and international dignitaries. In attendance were H.E Gen. Kuol Manyang Senior Presidential Advisor and chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), H.E. Paulino Lukudu Obede, the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State; Hon. Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol Chairperson of NEC, Hon Eng, James Akol Zakayo the Chairperson of the Political Parties Council (PPC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) George Owinow, Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC); and Mr. Darren Nance, Head of the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (UNIEAT).
The Chairperson in his remarks, Prof. Akok emphasized the importance of the new office in enhancing coordination at the state level and engaging with electoral stakeholders, including voters, political parties, civil society, media, and observer groups.
Akok also mentioned that the commission has renovated offices in several states, including Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Warrap, with plans to open them soon.The Central Equatoria office is one of six SHEC offices completed as part of NEC’s national renovation program supported by UNIEAT.
He also cited a recent meeting with President H.E Gen Salva Kiir, who he said reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding elections before the end of the transitional period.
While acknowledging these achievements, Prof. Akok also noted the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of legal clarity and resource mobilization. He reiterated the Commission’s call for collective responsibility among national actors and support from international partners.
“The opening of this office is more than symbolic—it is a concrete step toward delivering free, fair, and credible elections for the people of South Sudan,” he said. “Together, we can ensure a peaceful and democratic transition before the end of the transitional period.
Each of the dignitaries delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the office and reaffirming their support for peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections. The ceremony concluded with a keynote address by Gen. Kuol Manyang Senior Presidential Advisor and chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC).