South Sudan has postponed its much-anticipated general elections by two years, pushing the date from December 2024 to December 22, 2026. This delay is attributed to the government’s need for more time to complete essential tasks such as a national census, drafting a permanent constitution, and registering political parties.
President Salva Kiir
President Salva Kiir, who has been in power since the country gained independence in 2011, made the announcement as part of a broader extension of the transitional period. The decision follows recommendations from both electoral bodies and security agencies, with government officials emphasizing the need for adequate preparations to avoid a flawed electoral process.
South Sudan, still reeling from the aftermath of its five-year civil war, faces severe economic and humanitarian challenges. Nearly 9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and civil servants have gone unpaid for almost a year, mainly due to disruptions in oil exports caused by conflicts in neighboring Sudan.
Political analysts have warned that without substantial reforms, holding elections under the current conditions could lead to unrest. The extension has drawn mixed reactions, with some calling for patience to ensure a fair and credible election, while others fear it might entrench the current administration’s hold on power.
This election delay underscores the ongoing fragility of South Sudan’s peace process and the nation’s struggle to achieve long-term stability.
NGI 
SKJ