![Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan. [Photo: Courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/488080738_1724421961519189_7555257281336509331_n.webp?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1)
The incumbent president would remain in office with all powers vested in him under the National Elections Act, 2012, throughout the election period, while the country’s vice-presidents, including First Vice-President Riek Machar, would be relieved of their duties.
The proposals are contained in the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, tabled yesterday before the Transitional National Legislature.
Speaking during the parliamentary session in Juba on Wednesday, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol told lawmakers that the proposed amendments are intended to address inconsistencies in the existing law and bring it into line with the Transitional Constitution.
“The purpose, the prime purpose of this bill, is to amend the National Election Act 2012 Amendment Bill 2026 in order to harmonize the inconsistencies and ensure its conformity with the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 as amended and any other relevant provision,” Wek said.
Parliament spokesperson Oliver Mori said the incumbent president would remain in office with all his constitutional powers during the election period.
“What is important in this amendment is that during the time of elections the incumbent president will remain in office with all his powers as stated in the constitution,” Mori said.
He said the bill also proposes a change to the positions of the vice presidents.
Mori said the president would be required to relieve the first vice president and other vice presidents from office within three months before the election date.
“Within three months to the election date, the president of the republic shall relieve from office the first vice president and vice president,” he said.
Mori said the new legislature would have 332 members, with seats allocated to geographical constituencies, women, and political parties.
“There will be 332 honorable members in the coming elected parliament, of which 50 percent will be for geographical constituencies, 35 percent for women, and 15 percent to party lists,” he said.
The proposed allocation would reserve 50% of the seats for geographical constituencies, 35% for women, and 15% for political party lists.
The bill will now be considered by the parliamentary Committee on Legislation and Justice.
Mori said the committee would return the bill to the plenary for further discussion after two weeks.
The proposed changes come as South Sudan moves towards its planned elections, which are intended to mark the end of the country’s prolonged transitional period.
The debate over the electoral law is expected to focus on how the proposed changes fit within the Transitional Constitution and how the new arrangements would operate during the election period.
