South Sudan's Minister of East African Affairs Michael Makuei Lueth has announced that county commissioners and councillors will not be elected in the upcoming December polls. Speaking in Bor town, Jonglei State, Makuei stated that the government has decided to hold separate elections for local governments. This decision was made while Makuei was addressing a ceremony organised in honour of the late Bishop Emeritus of Bor, Nathaniel Garang Anyieth.
According to Makuei, the upcoming elections will see the election of the president, state governors, national lawmakers, and state lawmakers. He mentioned that it has been 16 years since the last elections were held in the country. The Minister emphasized that the government has decided to hold elections this year, despite the challenges. Makuei's announcement comes after an expanded presidency meeting, chaired by President Salva Kiir, resolved to proceed with elections without a permanent constitution and population census.
The Local Government Act stipulates that local government elections are organized separately on a date to be decided by the National Elections Commission. Makuei appealed to the people of Bor to prepare for the coming elections. He also clarified that the elections for local government officials will be held on a separate date, which will be determined by the National Elections Commission. This move is expected to ensure that local governments have a say in their leadership.
The National Elections Commission has announced that elections will be conducted on December 22, 2026. However, the commission has not indicated which elected positions will not be contested in the upcoming polls. Makuei's announcement provides clarity on the positions that will not be elected in the December polls. The decision to hold separate elections for local governments is expected to ensure that the country's electoral process is comprehensive and inclusive.
The decision to proceed with elections without a permanent constitution and population census was made last year. This move was seen as a significant step towards consolidating democracy in the country. However, some stakeholders expressed concerns about the implications of holding elections without a clear constitutional framework. The government has since assured citizens that the elections will be free and fair.
The upcoming elections are seen as a critical milestone in South Sudan's transition to a permanent constitution and a more stable government. The country has been without a fully functional government since the transitional government was dissolved. The caretaker government, led by President Salva Kiir, has been working to ensure that the country's electoral process is on track. Makuei's announcement is expected to provide clarity on the electoral process.
In conclusion, the decision to hold separate elections for local governments is a significant development in South Sudan's electoral process. The upcoming elections will see the election of key leaders, including the president, state governors, and lawmakers. The government has assured citizens that the elections will be free and fair, and that the country's electoral process is on track.
Key points
- County commissioners and councillors will not be elected in the upcoming December polls in South Sudan.
- The government has decided to hold separate elections for local governments.
- The National Elections Commission has announced that elections will be conducted on December 22, 2026.
