(Wau) – South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has delivered election materials and equipment to Western Bahr el-Ghazal as part of early preparations for the country’s much-anticipated December 2026 general elections. The handover marks a significant step toward establishing electoral readiness in one of South Sudan’s key states, though challenges remain.
The delivered items include a Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop vehicle, office furniture, training materials, and a solar panel system. These were provided by the National Elections Commission in Juba in collaboration with the Community Aid Relief and Development Organization (CARDO), a civil society partner supporting the election process.
Arkangelo Udo Agany, the Chairperson of the State High Electoral Commission, confirmed receipt of the items on Sunday. He noted that the vehicle, now based at the state electoral office in Wau, would support logistics ahead of the polls. Additional supplies included laptop bags, jackets, and notebooks meant for use by election staff and trainers.
The 2026 elections follow the extension of South Sudan’s transitional period, initially agreed upon under the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. While the government insists that preparations are underway, doubts remain about the feasibility of holding peaceful and credible elections due to ongoing insecurity, political rivalries, and limited institutional capacity.
Political tensions have deepened in recent months, especially with the unresolved situation between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The two leaders have not resumed formal dialogue since March, casting uncertainty over whether key reforms and security arrangements will be completed in time for elections.
Despite these national-level concerns, state officials like Agany say they are pressing ahead with preparations. He pointed out that since his appointment in July 2023, progress has been made in building state-level electoral infrastructure. “There was no single state election office, but now we have one,” Agany stated.
Agany added that some of his staff had already received training abroad, including sessions in Japan and Uganda focused on African electoral processes. Two officials are currently in Juba receiving further instruction and are expected to return to train additional staff through a “Training of Trainers” (ToT) programme within the state.
However, Agany acknowledged that financial resources remain a key obstacle. He said the state commission is actively engaging development partners to address ongoing logistical and funding gaps. At present exchange rates, the cost of a basic logistical vehicle like the Land Cruiser Hardtop is estimated at around USD 50,000.
He assured the public that efforts are underway to meet the necessary requirements and confirmed that civic education and voter awareness campaigns are scheduled to begin by next month. These campaigns are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring participation, especially in rural areas where knowledge about electoral procedures remains low.
With less than 18 months to the proposed polling date, South Sudan’s election machinery is beginning to turn—though slowly and cautiously. For citizens of Western Bahr el-Ghazal and other regions, the next year will test whether the country’s institutions can meet the promise of its peace deal and deliver the first national elections since independence.