JUBA — The Government of South Sudan has firmly dismissed claims of a planned extension of its mandate, reiterating its commitment to hold national elections in December 2026 as scheduled.

Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, said both the Presidency and the Council of Ministers have endorsed a resolution confirming that the country will go to the polls within the constitutional timeline.

“There will be no extension of the government’s mandate. Elections will be conducted in December 2026 as planned,” Ateny said in Juba.

He described reports circulating on social media suggesting otherwise as “false and misleading,” warning that such claims risk confusing the public at a critical moment in the country’s political transition.

Ateny clarified that a recent Cabinet meeting approved a memorandum presented by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Michael Makuei Lueth, without reservations. The approval now allows the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to deliberate on proposed amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

“What was passed is a legal process to allow Parliament to discuss amendments to the peace agreement—not an extension of the government,” he explained.

The move aligns with Article 8.4 of Chapter Eight of the agreement, which provides room for amendments when necessary.

South Sudan has previously postponed elections due to delays in implementing key provisions of the peace deal, making the 2026 vote a crucial test of the country’s transition to democratic governance.

The minister also issued a strong appeal to the media, urging journalists to prioritize accuracy and professionalism in their reporting.

“Media is a powerful tool. If information is not handled responsibly, it can mislead the public and even contribute to instability,” he said, emphasizing that analysis must be grounded in verified facts to avoid distorting public understanding.

On security, Ateny noted that the country is experiencing relative peace despite isolated disturbances in parts of northern Jonglei State involving SPLM-IO elements. He maintained that these incidents do not undermine overall national stability as preparations for elections continue.

The government’s position aligns with recent resolutions by the C5 group, which stressed that there should be no extension of the government’s tenure, elections must proceed as scheduled, and political dialogue should continue among stakeholders.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on both signatories and non-signatories to the peace agreement to return to dialogue to ensure an inclusive political process.

“Dialogue remains essential to achieving a peaceful transition,” Ateny said.

Civil society actors have welcomed the government’s reassurance but stress that credibility will depend on implementation. Prominent activist Edmund Yakani has urged authorities to match commitments with tangible progress, particularly in electoral preparations, security arrangements, and institutional reforms.

Observers note that the success of the 2026 elections will hinge on political will, security conditions, and the timely execution of key provisions of the peace agreement.

With less than a year to the polls, the December 2026 elections are widely seen as a defining moment for South Sudan’s democratic future. The government has called on citizens, political actors, and the media to support a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.