Story perspectives

South Sudan Sets Dec. 22 Election; Kiir Runs, Machar Detained

6/23/2026

Summary

Kiir Election Set

South Sudan authorities set Dec. 22 for the first election since 2011 independence.
President Salva Kiir will run while opposition leader Riek Machar stays under house arrest on treason charges.
Acting SPLM-IO chair Nathaniel Pierino warned that voter registration will be treated as a prisoner of war.
A U.N. inquiry reported leaders dismantling the 2018 peace deal, prompting Washington to urge renewed talks as humanitarian conditions worsen.

Summary

Election Commission Registers

The Election Commission will start voter registration and plans to finish within a month, Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol said, as constitutional changes and unreleased funds jeopardize polling-site setup.
2025 election security body began training staff for sites amid clashes in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei.
United Nations says fighting displaced hundreds of thousands, hurting accuracy, while human-rights groups say National Security Service continues detaining youth leaders, activists and journalists.

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Kiir Election Set

South Sudan authorities set Dec. 22 for the first election since 2011 independence.
President Salva Kiir will run while opposition leader Riek Machar stays under house arrest on treason charges.
Acting SPLM-IO chair Nathaniel Pierino warned that voter registration will be treated as a prisoner of war.
A U.N. inquiry reported leaders dismantling the 2018 peace deal, prompting Washington to urge renewed talks as humanitarian conditions worsen.

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