National Patriotic Movement Endorses Issa Muzamil for South Sudan’s 2026 Presidential Election

JUBA, South Sudan — September 23, 2026

The National Patriotic Movement (NPM) has endorsed its chairperson, Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele, as its presidential candidate for South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. The announcement was made in Juba on Wednesday and was independently reported by Eye Radio, Radio Tamazuj and Sudans Post.

NPM Secretary-General Gatkuoth Biel Diet said the party’s governing council selected Muzamil to represent the party in the presidential race. The NPM is listed by South Sudan’s Political Parties Council as a registered political party, with Muzamil as its leader.

Muzamil is a lawyer and previously served as chairperson of the South Sudan Bar Association. His move into the presidential race comes as political parties prepare candidates for South Sudan’s planned December elections.

Speaking after his endorsement, Muzamil said his party intends to focus on peace and security, economic diversification and education. He said South Sudan needs to reduce its heavy dependence on oil revenue and develop other parts of the economy.

The NPM also called for equal political space for parties during the election period. It raised concerns about security, voter registration, access to public media and the use of government resources during political campaigns. These are positions expressed by the party, rather than findings independently established by the reporting outlets.

Muzamil’s endorsement comes during a significant period in South Sudan politics. President Salva Kiir Mayardit dissolved the transitional government on September 22 as the country moves toward elections. South Sudan is preparing for what would be its first national elections since independence in 2011.

The National Elections Commission has scheduled voting for December 22, 2026.

Category: Politics