CRN News Desk- Former Upper Nile State Governor Jacob Dollar Ruot has declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Upper Nile State in the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
Dollar made the declaration as the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) begins its internal process of registering members seeking elective positions ahead of the elections.
The SPLM National Secretariat has called on interested party members to collect nomination forms and participate in the party’s internal selection process for various elective positions.
In his declaration, Dollar said he would seek the governorship through the SPLM’s internal democratic process.
“I, Hon. Jacob Dollar Ruot, hereby officially declare my interest to contest for the position of Governor of Upper Nile State in the upcoming general elections in December.”
Dollar served as Governor of Upper Nile State from October 2025 until May 2026, after President Salva Kiir appointed him to replace General James Koang Chuol. At the time, Koang was reassigned to serve as Deputy Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
In May 2026, President Kiir relieved Dollar from the governorship and reappointed General James Koang Chuol to lead the state. Koang had previously served as governor from March to October 2025 before being replaced by Dollar.
Dollar’s latest declaration comes as political parties prepare for the December elections, which President Kiir has said will proceed following the dissolution of the Transitional Government of National Unity and the formation of a caretaker administration in September.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has been undertaking preparations for the electoral process, including voter registration and civic engagement.
Over the weekend, NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng Majok also met with Catholic Church leaders to discuss the Church’s role in promoting peaceful, inclusive and credible elections. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation among electoral authorities, religious institutions and other stakeholders in preventing violence and encouraging responsible civic participation.
Upper Nile State has experienced recurring insecurity and political tensions in recent years, making governance, peace and stability key issues ahead of the elections.