“Without salary, no SPLM Oyee,” MP tells Kiir ahead of 2026 elections

AWEIL — A member of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly has said he will only support President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the upcoming December 2026 elections if the government clears all outstanding salary arrears.

Majang Ngor Kuany, who represents Aweil North County, made these remarks during the official handover ceremony of the Aweil North County commissioner on Thursday.

Ngor expressed concern over delays in the payment of government workers, saying political loyalty should not be expected from citizens and public officials who continue to face financial hardship.

“I see it useless to go for elections without salaries, there is no more Oyee,'” Ngor said, using the popular SPLM slogan to underscore the growing frustration over unpaid wages.

He urged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to prioritize the payment of civil servants’ salaries before the country heads to the 2026 general elections.

Ngor said timely payment of salaries is essential to motivate civil servants and government workers as the country prepares for the elections.

“I don’t think it is meaningful to conduct elections with empty stomachs. This does not work anywhere in the real world,” Ngor said.

Ngor said it is pointless for citizens to support a government that fails to stand up for their welfare and interests.

“So those who can easily reach Kiir should inform him regarding the government and the needed services, but I have a special position with the government, so those who get to Kiir easily, tell him about the salaries,” Ngor said.

“Where do you think it works to conduct elections when people are hungry? For me, I see it as useless to go for elections without salaries, even there is no more ‘Oyee.’ “

South Sudan is preparing to hold its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011, with the National Elections Commission (NEC) setting December 22, 2026, as the voting date.

The election has been repeatedly postponed since independence, with the latest delay in 2024 moving the polls from December 2024 to 2026.

However, preparations have faced significant challenges, including funding shortages, incomplete legal reforms, security concerns, political disagreements, and delays in implementing key provisions of the peace agreement.

The NEC has repeatedly called for adequate and timely funding, political consensus, and a conducive environment for political parties, civil society, and voters.