Momentum toward 2026 General Elections
After a closed-door meeting in Juba, President Salva Kiir authorised SPLM Secretary-General Paul Lugale Jumi to begin full electoral mobilisation for December 2026. Party insiders say the instruction signals the official start of campaign preparations despite lingering political uncertainties.
Resource Mobilisation and Membership Drive
Jumi told reporters the Secretariat will map funding sources and reopen registration centres from county level upwards. He stressed that reliable voter data will guide messaging and ensure every constituency feels represented, a point analysts view as crucial for turnout legitimacy.
Youth and Women Inclusion Strategy
Kiir urged the party to put young people and women “at the very heart of our leadership.” Civil society voices welcome the rhetoric, noting that South Sudan’s median age is under 20. The challenge, they add, lies in transforming speeches into cabinet seats and budget lines.
Ethics, Unity and Reconciliation under Spotlight
The President framed integrity, transparency, and reconciliation as non-negotiable principles, declaring that unity must move “from slogan to lived reality.” Observers recall that similar pledges followed the 2018 peace deal; successful implementation could bolster investor confidence and social cohesion.
Regional and Continental Stakes
Neighbouring states are watching closely. A credible 2026 poll would strengthen the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s stabilisation agenda and reassure continental partners who fund infrastructure projects. Diplomatic sources argue that early groundwork by the SPLM sets a positive tone for wider national dialogue.