South Sudan’s elections were slated to take place by the end of the year, as announced by the head of the National Elections Commission, Abenego Akok, on Tuesday.
Akok revealed that a “draft timetable” has been outlined for what will be the nation’s inaugural poll since its independence, making it a significant milestone for the world’s youngest country.
However, the definitive date for the vote, scheduled for December according to a new “roadmap” established last year, has yet to be announced.
During a press conference held in Juba, Akok expressed optimism about the upcoming electoral process, stating, “We are going to conduct elections.”
He added, “Hopefully… the election will take place.” The initial phase will involve voter registration, set to kick off in June, although a specific date was not provided.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011, South Sudan has not held any elections, grappling instead with persistent challenges such as violence, poverty, and natural disasters.
The prospect of elections has been marred by ongoing tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, stemming from a brutal civil war between 2013 and 2018, which claimed the lives of approximately 400,000 people and displaced millions.
Although a peace deal was brokered in 2018 to facilitate a “transition” period leading up to general elections, implementation has been hindered by persistent disagreements, resulting in repeated delays to transition timelines.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN mission chief in South Sudan, cautioned in December that the country was not yet prepared to organize credible elections, emphasizing the need for a “critical mass” of prerequisites to be met by April to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections.
