South Sudan at a Crossroads: Uncertainty Looms Over December Elections
South Sudan is facing a crucial moment as disagreements persist over the upcoming December elections, according to Prof. Abednego Akok, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC). Speaking in Juba during the release of a human rights report, Akok highlighted the lack of amendment to the Elections Act, which governs the election process.
With no permanent constitution to guide election conduct, the country’s roadmap to the elections remains unclear. The peace agreement stipulates that elections should be held 60 days before the end of the transitional period, but challenges persist due to delays and inadequate preparations.
Civil society activist Merekaje Lorna emphasized the importance of democratic rights for the people of South Sudan, calling for the timely and fair election process. With the country formally at peace since 2018, the uncertainty surrounding the feasibility of the December 2024 elections raises concerns about the future of democratic governance in South Sudan.
As the deadline for the dissolution of government bodies approaches, the decision on the election process becomes increasingly urgent. The fate of South Sudan’s democratic journey hangs in the balance as stakeholders navigate the challenges ahead.