South Sudan’s Cabinet Minister, Hon. Elia Martin Lomoro, has provided an update on the country’s progress toward key political and institutional reforms ahead of the 2026 general elections, citing both significant strides and urgent challenges.
Speaking during a recent briefing, Minister Lomoro announced that the Judicial Reform Committee has completed its work, with the final report now awaiting presidential assent. He also confirmed that the National Election Commission (NEC) has completed over 64% of its pre-election activities, and that election institutions are now functional in six out of ten states.
Lomoro praised the work of the Political Parties Council and the National Constitutional Review Commission, noting that both bodies are pressing ahead despite facing serious funding shortfalls.
These institutions, he said, are vital to laying the groundwork for a credible electoral process and completing South Sudan’s long-awaited constitution-makingprocess.
“These institutions are essential to a peaceful democratic transition,” the Minister said, “but their success depends on sustained financial and political support.”
While expressing confidence in the trajectory of the reform agenda, Lomoro also acknowledged that several key challenges remain. These include a lack of funding for post-election activities and ongoing disagreements over legal provisions related to the political transition.
Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that with strong political will and timely support, South Sudan can still meet its electoral milestones.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the body overseeing implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, echoed both the progress and the risks.
In a statement, RJMEC warned that South Sudan stands at a critical crossroads, and that delayed or uncoordinated action by national, regional, and international actors could jeopardize the fragile gains made since the peace accord was signed.
“With the countdown to the 2026 elections underway, the window of opportunity is narrowing,” RJMEC stated. “But with unity, focus, and political courage, South Sudan can stay on course for a peaceful and democratic future.”
The Commission urged all parties to recommit to inclusive dialogue, restore public trust in democratic institutions, and fully uphold the terms of the peace agreement.
