South Sudan has postponed its first presidential and parliamentary elections to February 11, 2027, marking yet another delay in a long-awaited process amid rising ethnic and political tensions. The country’s election commission announced the change on Saturday, moving the date from December 22 this year without providing a reason.
Since setting 2022 as its target election year, South Sudan has delayed the vote multiple times. Despite signing a peace deal in 2018 to end a brutal civil war, the nation remains plagued by violence. 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 warn that this move has undermined a key power-sharing agreement and concentrated power in Kiir’s hands, increasing the risk of renewed conflict. Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, described it as a “constitutional coup”. She emphasised the need for an inclusive political solution, protection for civilians, and stronger institutions to prevent further violence.
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, have further destabilised the country. Complications due to ethnic tensions and cattle-rustling have added to the unrest in one of the world’s poorest nations. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but internal conflict has since 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. However, according to the World Bank, around 90% of South Sudan’s 15 million population lack state-recognised identification, complicating the registration process. In rural areas, community leaders will assist in issuing identification forms to enable eligible voters to take part in the elections.
