@tngzannyghetto: Riek Machar has long been regarded as a key opposition figure and would ordinarily be expected to be an important participant in any inclusive national election. However, based on the latest available reports, it is not confirmed that Dr. Riek Machar will be a presidential candidate in South Sudan’s planned December 2026 elections. His political and legal status remains uncertain, and analysts say his participation is one of the major issues affecting the credibility of the election process. At present: • Salva Kiir Mayardit has publicly confirmed that he intends to run in the December 2026 election. • The question of whether Dr. Riek Machar will be allowed to participate remains unresolved, with many regional and international observers calling for an inclusive political process before the election.