South Sudan has scheduled a general election for December 22, the first since the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

But, as preparations lag, political tensions are high and the debate has intensified since President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government on September 22 to form a caretaker administration.

Denis Logonyi, a journalist based in the capital of South Sudan Juba, said that many in the country, which has seen violent power struggles and political instability, were not only concerned about the logistics of the polls.

"People have different views on these elections," he told DW. "You hear discussions in political circles and on social media, but ordinary people are not talking much about them." 

One voter complained that "there has been no voter education, no voter registration, and only a few months remain." Another told DW that while South Sudanese citizens were eager for a credible election process, the country was not adequately prepared. 

Food prices are rising, civil servants are not being paid, and displaced people are struggling, they said.

Politicians admit to 'obstacles' but agree to adhere to election timeline

Political parties have until October 22 to present their manifestos and register.

On October 7, South Sudan concluded a two-week Inter-Party Dialogue, in which 39 parties participated, discussing key issues ahead of the election.

Logonyi said that some civil society groups had been left out of the dialogue, which was initiated by President Kiir.  

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro outlined a few of the challenges: "Delayed funding could severely affect civic education and election infrastructure. There is a need for a clear legal framework to govern the participation of the country's administrative areas. The three administrative areas are not clearly reflected in the National Election Act, which is necessary for the election outcomes to be accepted."

He added that "a credible election requires security readiness throughout the entire cycle — including campaign rallies, polling stations, voting, counting, and results transmission. The unified security forces have not yet been fully deployed."

According to Albino Akol Atak, the deputy rapporteur of the Inter-Party Dialogue and minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, the parties unanimously agreed to adhere to the election timeline. "The election train has left the station, and it has no reverse gear," he said. "We are trying to smooth the pathway for this train to arrive on December 22, 2026, without obstacles."

Meanwhile, Changkuoth Bichok Reath, the secretary general of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), said he strongly believed "that successfully conducting the election on December 22 requires coordinated, inclusive action from all national institutions, political parties, security actors, civil society, and other stakeholders."

He added that "given the limited time remaining, priority should be placed on resolving outstanding legal issues and ensuring constructive dialogue among political actors. Furthermore, political parties must be funded to meet key requirements, because a lack of funding will only draw us backward."

South Sudan's checkered election history

 

South Sudan has endured decades of conflict, from long wars that preceded independence to a devastating civil war that erupted just two years after it became a sovereign state.

Power-sharing transitional governments have been in place under fragile peace deals, including the Revitalized Peace Agreement of September 2018. Elections have repeatedly been planned then put off.

Armed opposition groups remain active, and many citizens fear political tensions could trigger renewed violence.

"The absence of [former Vice President] Riek Machar from the political process is a major concern," Logonyi said. "If there is to be an election or a meaningful political dialogue, many believe he has to be part of it."

In 2018, a power-sharing deal that saw Kiir become president and Machar — his long-time rival and main opposition leader — vice president briefly stabilized the country.

However, tensions between the two men persisted and in March 2025, Machar was placed under house arrest. He was later put on trial for offences that include treason and murder.

Key conditions for elections not fulfilled yet

"The government has demonstrated that it is keen for the election to happen," said Wambui Njehu Nzigo, an analyst with Control Risks, a global consulting firm. "But there are important processes that have not yet taken place."

The lack of voter registration is among the biggest concerns. "If elections are to take place soon, you would expect there already to be a voter register," Nzigo said. "There is very little time for that to happen."

Security reforms required under the 2018 peace deal have not yet been finished. These include the unification of armed groups to create the conditions for a stable transition.

Analysts have long warned that if these key issues are not addressed the legitimacy of any election would be undermined.

"The elections would be taking place in an environment where there is still active fighting in some parts of the country," Nzigo said. "The fact that the main opposition leader is under house arrest raises questions about whether this will be a true competition."

According to Logonyi, civil society groups are calling for greater dialogue, political inclusion and protections for journalists and activists before the vote is held.

Ongoing flooding could interfere with the vote

Futhermore, South Sudan faces severe flooding, a displacement crisis and food insecurity. This could make it difficult for some citizens to reach polling stations, Nzigo said.

For those displaced by conflict, there's uncertainty over how they can register and cast their ballots.

Experts warn that a vote without broad participation could lead to a disputed outcome and instensify conflict.

Regional organizations such as the African Union and international partners are expected to continue encouraging an inclusive political process.

Analysts argue that the focus should be not only on ensuring elections take place, but also on creating conditions that make them credible.

For many South Sudanese, the choice is clear: elections alone won't guarantee stability.

This article contains material generated by artificial intelligence (AI) from the AfricaLink podcast.

Edited by: Benita van Eyssen