South Sudan has replaced the head of its National Elections Commission just three months before the country’s scheduled presidential and parliamentary elections. According to Reuters and CNBC Africa, President Salva Kiir announced the appointment of Gabriel Bol Deng Majok to replace Abednego Akok Kacuol, who had served as chairperson of the commission. Bol Deng previously served as the commission’s Secretary General, while the government has not given a reason for the leadership change. South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set December 22, 2026 as the date for the long delayed elections, which would be the country’s first national vote since independence in 2011.
The leadership change comes as the election commission faces a compressed timetable to complete preparations for the December vote. The commission is responsible for voter registration, candidate nominations, election staffing, dispute resolution and civic education, according to its official mandate. Reuters reported that the government has been pressing ahead with preparations despite continuing political and security challenges. The government has also proposed almost 184 billion South Sudanese pounds in its 2026 to 2027 budget for pre election activities, while the commission has begun training state election committees on voter registration.
The appointment places Gabriel Bol Deng at the centre of South Sudan’s most consequential electoral process since independence, with the commission needing to maintain operational readiness while navigating a fragile political environment. The African Union and United Nations have continued to monitor the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, while analysts have highlighted concerns around political tensions, security and the inclusion of opposition actors. With the December 22 election date approaching, the new election leadership will be under pressure to demonstrate that voter registration, electoral preparations and institutional processes can proceed on schedule and with sufficient public confidence.
