NPM endorses Issa Muzamil Makelele to challenge Kiir in 2026 election

(Photo Credit: Standard Zone News)

The National Patriotic Movement (NPM) has endorsed its chairman, Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele, as its presidential candidate for South Sudan’s December 2026 general elections, just a day after President Salva Kiir Mayardit dissolved the transitional government.

The announcement was made by NPM Secretary-General Gatkouth during a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, where the party welcomed the end of the transitional period and outlined its position ahead of the elections.

NPM said its governing council had endorsed Makelele to contest for the presidency, putting him forward as a candidate in the race for South Sudan’s top political office against incumbent President Kiir.

The party welcomed the conclusion of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) transitional period, which formally ended on September 22, following the dissolution of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity.

Chairman Issa called for equal political space for all parties, saying credible elections require a level playing field for political actors.

He also called for funding for the election commission and equal access to public media for all political parties participating in the December polls.

NPM further urged the authorities to ensure that public institutions and resources are not used to give an advantage to the ruling party during the electoral process.

The party said it is ready to participate in the December 22 elections and will announce its candidates for governorships, national and state parliament seats, and local government positions in the coming weeks.

The endorsement of Makelele adds another presidential contender to the emerging 2026 election race as political parties begin positioning themselves following the end of the transitional period.

Makelele, a lawyer by profession, has previously served as president of the South Sudan Bar Association.

He has also been involved in legal proceedings concerning the rule of law and the administration of justice in South Sudan.

Source: https://szn.ss/npm-endorses-issa-muzamil-makelele-to-challenge-kiir-in-2026-election/