South Sudan has postponed its first national elections, initially scheduled for December 22, 2026, to February 11, 2027, amid rising political tensions and security concerns.
The revised date was announced on Saturday by the country’s electoral commission through its social media platforms.
The commission’s Secretary-General, Ahon Malou Lueth, confirmed the development to AFP but declined to explain the reasons behind the postponement.
Under the new electoral timetable, voting will take place on February 11, while the results are expected to be announced on February 15.
The elections, which include presidential and legislative polls, have suffered repeated delays since the country gained independence in 2011.
The latest postponement comes against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and supporters of detained former Vice-President, Riek Machar.
Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is facing accusations of crimes against humanity.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, also continues to grapple with ethnic tensions, cattle-rustling violence and a fragile political environment.
The country previously experienced a devastating civil war between 2013 and 2018, following a power struggle between Kiir and Machar. The conflict claimed at least 400,000 lives.
The election commission announced the new date on the same day voter registration was expected to commence, with more than 3,100 registration centres planned nationwide.
However, officials disclosed that some centres were yet to receive all the required equipment.
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has repeatedly raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation, including mass displacement, deadly confrontations and disruptions to humanitarian operations.
In its assessment, the commission warned that recent developments had increased “the risk of renewed conflict and atrocity crimes”.
The UN body had also cautioned in October that conducting elections under the prevailing conditions could spark another round of violence.
South Sudan became an independent nation in July 2011 after separating from Sudan.
