South Sudan Election Commission Unveils Voter Registration Book Ahead of December Polls

JUBA, South Sudan — September 22, 2026

South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has unveiled the official voter registration book that will be used to register eligible voters ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.

NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng Majok presented the registration materials during a news conference in Juba on Tuesday. The commission’s board approved the registration form as preparations move closer to the start of nationwide voter registration.

The registration book will record information about eligible voters and includes numbered voter cards. It identifies South Sudan’s 10 states and three administrative areas, along with counties, geographical areas and registration centres. Each registration book and voter card will carry identifying serial numbers.

Registered voters will receive cards after completing the process and will be expected to present them for verification on election day. The NEC says printing of the registration books is expected to begin this week, with distribution to registration centres starting once sufficient materials are available.

However, voter registration has not yet started. The NEC says it will announce the official registration date after materials have been distributed. The commission previously warned South Sudanese citizens against social-media posts falsely claiming that registration was already underway.

The commission says it has assessed voter registration centres across the country and will publish information about them. Earlier this month, electoral officials from the states and administrative areas were trained in Juba on registration procedures.

Funding remains another important part of preparations. Deng said the South Sudan government has provided $25 million to the NEC so far and that the Ministry of Finance has indicated additional funding will be released for voter registration and other election activities.

The December vote is planned as South Sudan’s first national general election since independence in 2011. The unveiling of the voter registration book represents a concrete administrative step, but the NEC still needs to announce when citizens can begin registering.