South Sudan Postpones Inaugural National Elections to February 2027

South Sudan's election commission has announced the postponement of the country's first presidential and parliamentary elections to February 11, 2027. The new date replaces the previous one of December 22, 2024, although no reason was provided for the change. This delay marks another setback in a long-awaited process that has been plagued by repeated postponements since the target election year of 2022 was set.

The decision to delay the elections comes amid rising ethnic and political tensions in the country. Despite signing a peace deal in 2018 to end a brutal civil war, South Sudan remains unstable, with violence persisting in various parts of the country. President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government in September, creating a caretaker administration that can push towards elections without completing a permanent constitution or census, previously needed steps in the transition process.

Critics have warned that Kiir's move has undermined a key power-sharing agreement and concentrated power in his hands, increasing the risk of renewed conflict. Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, described the move as a "constitutional coup". She emphasised the need for an inclusive political solution, protection for civilians, and stronger institutions to prevent further violence.

The country is experiencing escalating clashes between Kiir's forces and supporters of detained former Vice President Riek Machar, who has been under house arrest since March on charges of crimes against humanity. Complications due to ethnic tensions and cattle-rustling have added to the unrest in one of the world's poorest nations. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, internal conflict has claimed over 400,000 lives.

Under the new election timeline, voter registration will start on November 14 and run until November 28. A 45-day campaign period will follow, leading up to the elections. Gabriel Bol Deng, chairman of the National Elections Commission, noted that there are 3,161 registration centres set up nationwide, with over 22,000 staff recruited to facilitate the process.

However, around 90% of South Sudan's 15 million population lack state-recognised identification, which could complicate the registration process. To address this challenge, community leaders in rural areas will assist in issuing identification forms to enable eligible voters to take part in the elections. The World Bank has highlighted this issue as a potential obstacle to the smooth conduct of the elections.

The postponement of the elections has raised concerns about the country's stability and its ability to hold free and fair elections. The international community has called for an inclusive and peaceful electoral process. With the new date set for February 11, 2027, South Sudan's electoral commission faces the task of ensuring a successful and credible election.

Key points

• The elections have been postponed to February 11, 2027, due to ongoing ethnic and political tensions.
• The country's election commission has set up 3,161 registration centres nationwide to facilitate voter registration.
• Around 90% of South Sudan's population lacks state-recognised identification, which could complicate the registration process.