By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
South Sudan, 23 July 2026 - South Sudan President Salva Kiir has confirmed he will seek another term in the country's historic 22 December 2026 election, describing the long-awaited vote as an opportunity to end years of transitional rule and usher in an elected government.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV, Kiir urged South Sudanese to register as voters and participate in what would be the country's first national election since gaining independence in 2011.
"I will be on the ballot," Kiir said, confirming he will contest the presidency on the ticket of the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).
He said South Sudan was ready to move beyond the prolonged transitional government established under the 2018 peace agreement.
"South Sudan is ready for elections; the people are ready to elect their leaders," he said.
Kiir also signalled plans to reduce the size of government after the elections, saying the current power-sharing arrangement had become costly and was diverting resources from development.
"There will be changes after elections. Now you can see the five vice presidents, what will they do? In Parliament, we have 650 members, what will they do? This huge government prevented development," he said.
The President defended the expanded government structure as a necessary compromise to preserve peace after years of conflict but said the country now needs leaner institutions focused on service delivery.
His announcement follows the signing of amendments to the Revitalised Peace Agreement, removing legal requirements that had linked elections to the completion of a permanent constitution and a national census, effectively clearing the way for the December polls.
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The election is expected to mark a significant milestone for the world's youngest nation, which has repeatedly postponed elections since civil war erupted in 2013 following a political dispute between Kiir and his then-deputy Riek Machar.
However, major challenges remain.
The National Elections Commission has acknowledged that voter registration, civic education, legal reforms and funding must be completed before polling day.
Political tensions have also intensified following Machar's continued detention on treason-related charges, raising questions over whether the opposition will fully participate in the election.
Opposition leaders have accused the government of delaying key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, arguing that credible elections require broader political reforms, improved security and an inclusive electoral environment.
Despite the concerns, Kiir maintained that the election offers South Sudan a chance to replace years of transitional governance with a government chosen directly by its citizens.
If conducted as scheduled, the December vote will be the first time South Sudanese elect their national leaders through the ballot box since the country gained independence from Sudan 15 years ago.