South Sudan postpones first-ever national elections until February | Elections News
South Sudan Delays Historic Elections to February 2024
JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — South Sudan has postponed its first-ever presidential and parliamentary elections to February 11, 2024, the country’s election commission announced Saturday. This decision marks the latest delay in a long-awaited electoral process amid rising ethnic and political tensions.
Originally scheduled for December 22, 2023, the elections had been anticipated since 2022 but have faced multiple postponements. The election commission did not provide a reason for the recent delay.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with ongoing violence and instability, despite a peace agreement signed in 2018 that aimed to end years of civil war. The conflict led to the deaths of at least 400,000 people and continues to impact the country’s political landscape.
In September, President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and appointed a caretaker administration to facilitate the elections. However, this move has raised concerns among observers and analysts, who argue that it undermines existing power-sharing arrangements, concentrating authority in Kiir’s hands and increasing the likelihood of renewed conflict.
Yasmin Sooka, chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, criticized the government’s actions, describing them as a “constitutional coup through legislative reforms.” She emphasized the need for an inclusive political settlement, civilian protection, and capable institutions to mitigate further violence.
The political climate remains tense, with recent clashes between Kiir’s forces and supporters of detained former Vice President Riek Machar, who has been under house arrest since March. Additionally, ethnic tensions and localized conflicts over resources continue to exacerbate the situation.
As part of the new election timeline, voter registration is set to commence on November 14 and will run through November 28. A campaign period will follow from December 27 until February 9, leading up to a day of silence before the February elections.
Gabriel Bol Deng, chairman of the National Elections Commission, reported that 3,161 registration centers have been established across the nation, with over 22,000 staff members recruited for the process. Notably, about 90 percent of the country’s 15 million citizens lack state-recognized identification, complicating voter registration efforts. Community leaders will assist in identifying eligible voters, particularly in rural areas, through the issuance of identification forms.
As South Sudan approaches its elections, the need for stability and inclusive governance remains critical for the nation’s future.
