South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has replaced the head of the country’s National Elections Commission, just over three months before the country is scheduled to hold its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011.
According to an announcement read on state broadcaster SSBC, Gabriel Bol Deng, the commission’s secretary-general, will replace Abednego Akok Kacuol as chairperson. The announcement did not give a reason for the leadership change.
December 22 Election
South Sudan is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 22, 2026. The vote has been repeatedly delayed since independence and is expected to be a major test of the country’s political transition following years of conflict.
The National Elections Commission had previously confirmed the December date while acknowledging challenges involving funding, electoral legislation and preparations for voter registration.
The commission has also been working on electoral preparations, including voter education, electoral administration and the establishment of structures in states and administrative areas.
Concerns Over Electoral Conditions
The leadership change comes amid continuing concerns about whether the necessary conditions are in place for peaceful and credible elections.
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said last week that important safeguards and conditions for credible elections remained absent. UN commissioner Barney Afako said South Sudanese citizens have the right to participate freely, compete fairly and have electoral disputes resolved through credible mechanisms.
South Sudan has remained formally at peace since a 2018 peace agreement ended a five-year civil war that killed thousands of people. However, intercommunal violence and political tensions continue to pose challenges.
Tight Timeline for New Election Chief
With only about three months remaining before polling day, Deng will take over the electoral body at a critical stage of preparations.
The new leadership will be responsible for overseeing the remaining logistical and administrative work required for the December vote, while the government and political parties continue efforts to implement the country’s transitional political arrangements.
The December election is expected to be closely watched domestically and internationally as South Sudan seeks to move from its prolonged transitional period toward a formal electoral process.
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