South Sudan ruling party urges parliament to approve peace deal changes ahead elections

JUBA — South Sudan’s ruling party on Tuesday urged the transitional parliament to swiftly approve amendments to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, saying the changes are necessary to pave the way for general elections scheduled for December 2026.

The call was made by James Wani Igga, deputy chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and vice president in charge of the economic cluster, during a party meeting in the capital, Juba.

On Dec. 10, 2025, the presidency approved amendments to the peace deal that remove provisions linking elections to the completion of a permanent constitution and a national population census, tasks that remain unfinished.

Under the revised approach, elections would be conducted under the transitional constitution rather than waiting for the adoption of a permanent charter, a move officials say is aimed at avoiding further delays to the electoral process.

The decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue the changes undermine key safeguards of the peace agreement and weaken the broader transition framework.

The SPLM-IO, led by detained opposition figure Riek Machar, said the unilateral move by the SPLM under President Salva Kiir was intended to dismantle the peace deal and derail the peace process.

Addressing SPLM members on Tuesday, Wani said the amendments had already received approval from both the presidency and the cabinet and now require parliamentary endorsement.

“We have met as the parties to the revitalized peace agreement to amend the revitalized agreement and delay the holding of elections from the constitution-making process and conduct of the popular census. This decision has been passed by the Presidency and Cabinet,” Wani said.

He urged SPLM lawmakers in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to act quickly once the amendments are formally tabled in parliament.

“It is awaiting the meeting of the agreement, after which it will go to the Parliament. I therefore urge you to act quickly to finalize all the amendment processes.”

Wani said the ruling party was ready to proceed with elections in December 2026, describing the vote as a key step toward restoring democratic governance in the country.

“The conduct of the election in December 2026 will give our citizens their democratic right to choose their leaders at all levels and establish a government of the people that will deliver services and develop our country,” he said.

SPLM Secretary General Akol Paul Kordit said the party’s joint caucuses had resolved to back the electoral process and support all legislation related to the vote.

“The SPLM Joint Caucuses have resolved to go for general elections in December 2026 as enshrined in the extended roadmap. The SPLM Joint Caucuses have also agreed to ratify election-related provisions when presenting the national legislation. The meeting also resolved that the SPLM should not be referred to as SPLM-IG,” Akol said.