South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has dissolved the transitional government, hours after signing amendments to election laws that removed key requirements for a vote. The move comes as the country prepares for its first-ever election, set for December 22. Heavy security was deployed in the capital, Juba, on Tuesday as the president prepared to dissolve the government. Analysts warn that last-minute legal changes give Kiir total control over the transition.
The election law amendments, signed by Kiir on Tuesday, removed requirements to complete a permanent constitution and national census before a vote. The changes also allow for the vote to proceed despite the lack of a constitution or census. According to Michael Wani, a lawyer and former member of the constitution drafting committee, the amendments offer Kiir unfettered control. "Kiir will be the only person in power, without vice-presidents, without the executive, without the parliament," Wani said.
South Sudan achieved independence in 2011 but soon after plunged into a five-year civil war and remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world. Elections were initially set for 2022 but have been postponed twice. The government has failed to implement almost any of the preconditions set out in a 2018 peace agreement, including voter registration, unification of rival armies, and the creation of a constitution.
President Salva Kiir will appoint a new transitional government to oversee the vote, his office said on Tuesday. The move is in line with the agreed elections timetable. However, analysts warn that the changes to the National Elections Act give Kiir too much power. Independent analyst Machot Amuom told AFP there was a lot of "ambiguity" in the legal changes. "The new law gives the president full powers... He can decide even not to go for elections for another year or another two years," Amuom said.
There was an increased military presence in Juba on Tuesday, with many soldiers deployed along the roads. Vendors and civil servants reported being told to stay away from work without warning. The Internal Security Bureau issued a directive ordering "all forces to be in uniforms and be on high alert for (3) days" from September 22. The move has sparked concerns over the potential for conflict.
Tensions remain high between rival political groups, with opposition leader Riek Machar currently jailed on treason charges. International observers fear the election could tip the country back into full-blown conflict. The country's instability has raised concerns over the viability of the election.
The dissolution of the government and appointment of a new transitional government comes as the country prepares for a critical period. The international community will be watching closely to ensure that the election is free and fair.
Key points
- President Salva Kiir has dissolved the transitional government hours after signing amendments to election laws.
- The election law amendments removed requirements for a permanent constitution and national census before a vote.
- Analysts warn that the changes give Kiir total control over the transition.
