NEC Receives $6 Million for Civic Education, Secures New Headquarters Ahead of 2026 Elections.
By Patricia John
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has received a $6 million government allocation to fund nationwide civic and voter education campaigns ahead of South Sudan’s upcoming 2026 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing in Juba on Monday, NEC Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol announced that the funds will be deployed across the country’s ten states and three administrative areas. The initiative aims to ensure citizens fully understand the electoral process and their democratic rights.
“The government has provided $6 million to support civic education and voter awareness programs across the country,” Prof. Kachuol said. “This funding will enable the commission to reach communities in all states and administrative areas, preparing citizens for active participation in the upcoming elections.”
Prof. Kachuol emphasized that voter education is a critical pillar of the electoral process, designed to inform citizens about voter registration requirements, ballot procedures, and the importance of peaceful participation.
In a significant step toward strengthening its operational capacity, the NEC has also acquired the former AIDA International Hotel building in Juba to serve as its new permanent headquarters. The move is expected to provide the commission with a centralized base to streamline and coordinate all election-related logistics.
Preparations for voter registration are progressing steadily, with the official launch date expected to be announced in the coming days.
“We are in the final stages of preparations for voter registration,” Prof. Kachuol stated.
These developments come as South Sudan intensifies preparations for its first general elections since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The upcoming polls are widely viewed as a crucial milestone in the young nation’s democratic transition and ongoing efforts to secure lasting peace and stability.
The NEC concluded by calling on citizens, political parties, civil society organizations, and international development partners to actively support the electoral process and encourage public participation once registration and education campaigns officially commence.
