South Sudan delays elections by two years, extends transitional period

President Salva Kiir and his former adversary, now Deputy President Riek Machar, had previously signed a peace agreement in 2018, ending a five-year civil war that claimed around 400,000 lives, caused widespread famine, and triggered a significant refugee crisis.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, the presidency announced, “The presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years, and the postponement of elections initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026.”

Tut Gatluak, the presidential adviser on national security, explained that additional time was necessary to complete key processes before holding elections. Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro noted that the extension followed recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector.

The decision comes amid an economic crisis, exacerbated by a damaged oil pipeline and prolonged issues with oil exports. Civil servants in South Sudan have reportedly not been paid for nearly a year.

Independent political analyst Andrea Mach Mabior expressed concerns about the potential waste of resources if elections do not meet international standards. “Going for elections that do not meet international standards will be a waste of money,” Mabior told The Associated Press.

In addition, a new security law allowing for warrantless detentions was enacted in August, despite fears from human rights groups that it might foster a climate of fear ahead of the elections. According to the United Nations, around 9 million people, or 73 percent of South Sudan’s population, are in need of humanitarian aid this year.