The decision was made public on Monday during a press conference in Juba, where the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, confirmed that a total of 102 constituencies have been declared nationwide.
The constituencies are aligned with South Sudan’s ten states and three administrative areas, in accordance with the National Elections Act.
“In accordance with the National Elections Act, the NEC hereby declares the 102 constituencies in alignment with the ten states and three administrative areas,” Akok said in a press release issued after the briefing.
According to the commission, Central Equatoria State will have 14 constituencies, Eastern Equatoria State 11, and Western Equatoria State eight. Jonglei State, together with the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, has been allocated 17 constituencies, making it the largest in terms of representation.
Unity State, which includes the Ruweng Administrative Area, has been assigned seven constituencies, while Upper Nile State will have 12. Lakes State and Western Equatoria State will each have eight constituencies, while Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has nine. Western Bahr el Ghazal State has been allocated four constituencies, the lowest number among the states.
Warrap State, which includes the Abyei Administrative Area, has been assigned 12 constituencies, according to the NEC’s breakdown.
Professor Akok said the commission will soon publish detailed names and descriptions of each constituency through official channels, including the NEC website and print media. He noted that this step is required under Section 41(1)(g) of the National Elections Act, which mandates the commission to formally gazette constituency boundaries ahead of elections.
He urged the public, political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to rely only on official NEC publications for accurate and up-to-date information regarding constituencies as preparations for the 2026 elections continue.
The announcement comes amid renewed focus on electoral readiness as South Sudan prepares for its first elections since independence, following years of delays linked to political disputes, insecurity, and logistical challenges.
The decision also cements the recent move by parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to forego the permanent constitution-making and general census, which are critical components of credible elections.
However, with elections already postponed several times, Juba says it is racing against time amid criticism from Western powers and the country’s main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition, led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar.
