South Sudan clears constitutional hurdles ahead of December elections
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has signed constitutional amendments to remove legal barriers to the upcoming December 2026 general elections. The changes delink the census and permanent constitution-making process from the electoral timeline to ensure the vote proceeds.
Why it matters
This legislative move is a critical step toward establishing democratic governance and political stability in a post-conflict nation.
JUBA — South Sudan has taken a major step toward the planned December 2026 general elections after President Salva Kiir on Wednesday assented to constitutional amendments aimed at removing key legal obstacles to the conduct of the polls.
The amendment, known as the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 (Amendment No. 13) Act, 2026, was presented for presidential assent pursuant to Article 85, Section 1 of the Transitional Constitution, as amended.
The bill was passed by the Transitional National Legislature in accordance with Articles 55, Sections 2 and 3 of the Transitional Constitution.
The amendment makes key changes to the country’s constitutional framework, including delinking the permanent constitution-making process and the National Population and Housing Census from the conduct of national elections.
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