President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday signed the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, into law, as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 2026.

The legislation revises the country’s electoral framework, seeking to resolve inconsistencies in existing provisions and align them with the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011, as amended.

The signing comes amid political uncertainty over the transition and the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. The agreement established a framework for power-sharing and reforms intended to guide the country towards elections.

Kiir has also been visiting countries in the region to seek support from regional leaders, including within the East African Community, as the electoral process moves forward.

However, the amendment has reportedly fuelled tensions in parliament, with disagreement over its passage and implications for the transition. Critics argue that the changes could favour Kiir’s continued stay in office, raising questions about their impact on the electoral process.

Attention now turns to the implementation of the amended law and whether the government can deliver the conditions necessary for credible and inclusive elections in December.