Media Wire Express Correspondent
President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, has announced the postponement of the country’s general elections until December 2026, citing delays in the preparation process.
The announcement has stirred concern both within the country and internationally, as the move pushes back the possibility of crucial democratic reforms that the country urgently needs.
The United Nations has swiftly responded to the news, urging South Sudan’s leadership to demonstrate a sincere commitment to holding free and fair elections. Ambassador Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Representative to South Sudan, emphasized the disappointment of the South Sudanese people, who had hoped for a new political era that would bring about stability and prosperity in the country.
South Sudan, one of the world’s youngest nations, has faced prolonged political instability, with frequent tensions between rival factions contributing to a fragile peace process. The delay in elections is seen as a setback for the country’s ongoing peace efforts, which are designed to end years of civil war and to foster national reconciliation.
Ambassador Haysom expressed his concern that the continuation of political delays could further hinder the country’s development and its ability to address critical issues such as economic hardship, food insecurity, and the humanitarian crisis that continues to affect millions of South Sudanese citizens.
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While the government justifies the delay as necessary for adequate preparation, critics argue that the extension only deepens the political divide and prolongs a period of uncertainty. The call for electoral reforms has become a prominent issue, with many citizens and civil society organizations pushing for guarantees of a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
The postponement of the elections is another chapter in South Sudan’s tumultuous journey toward political stability. The country’s transition from civil war to peace is fraught with challenges, but the hope remains that a democratic process, once initiated, will bring much-needed political reforms and development. International bodies, including the African Union and the UN, have continued to monitor the situation closely, offering support while urging South Sudanese leaders to uphold their commitments to peace and democratic governance.
