South Sudan's President Kiir signs election bill into law

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has signed the amended National Elections Act into law, setting new rules for the country's planned December 2026 general elections.

The law, signed on Monday, September 21, updates the National Elections Act of 2012 and brings it in line with the country's Transitional Constitution. Government officials say the changes are meant to remove unclear parts of the law and make election preparations easier.

Under the amended legislation, President Kiir will remain in office with full constitutional powers throughout the electoral period until an elected president assumes office. The first vice president and four other vice presidents, however, are required to leave office three months before the elections.

The law reduces the National Legislative Assembly to 270 members from 650. State assemblies will have ‌58 members, down from 100, while legislative councils in ​administrative areas will have 20 members

The law also sets out the duties of election committees in the states and administrative areas. These committees will help organize and manage the election process in their respective areas.

The amendments allow election preparations to continue without waiting for the country's permanent constitution or a national population and housing census to be completed. This means the National Elections Commission can continue its work ahead of the planned polls.

The government says the new law is an important step toward holding the December elections and moving South Sudan toward a permanent constitutional system.