South Sudan’s long-awaited presidential election, initially scheduled for December 2024, has been postponed by two years, now set for December 2026. This delay was driven by the need to address key foundational challenges, including the development of a permanent constitution, the execution of a national census, and the establishment of reliable voter registration and security measures. According to officials, these steps are essential to ensure a fair electoral process. However, the delay has raised concerns about political stability, with warnings from civil organizations about potential unrest if delays persist and foundational issues remain unresolved.
For Seed Effect, which recently reinitiated operations in South Sudan in March 2024, this development affects both our team and the communities we serve. Here’s what Bismarck, our Seed Effect South Sudan Country Director, shared,
“I personally believe that the delay in elections may be a blessing in disguise. It’s a blessing for other nations to hold regular elections because of their established systems and it’s a curse to other nations that haven’t established a very good system for conducting elections.”
He continued; “The election delay in South Sudan has sparked significant debate amongst the South Sudanese political commentators, civil society activists, and peace advocates.
“Some activists view the postponement as a tactic for the current government to retain power, and they have valid arguments because we have seen South Sudan postponed elections from 2015, to 2018, and then to 2023, to 2024 and now to 2026.
“While other political commentators believe that extending the political period is necessary to complete other foundational reforms like repatriating the refugees, having a population census, drafting a permanent Constitution, and implementing security reforms to solve the complex task of unifying a historically divided nation.
“South Sudan doesn’t meet the prerequisite requirement to hold an election. Having an election this year may end in disaster like most post election violence we have seen in other African countries like Kenya, DRC, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
“The most important thing for South Sudan right now is to have one army and a permanent Constitution. The army is still divided and having elections at a time when the army is still divided will be a disaster for the entire nation. Right now we are praying for an army that will be loyal to the country and not individuals, and we still don’t have that army.
“The delay may not be good to other power hungry individuals who want to get into government, but it’s good for the ordinary citizens. It’s good for Seed Effect, and it’s good for other bodies as South Sudan sorts out its mess and establishes the right system like having one army and a permanent Constitution that can define a clear road map for elections.”
Please join us in prayer for South Sudan’s leaders and people. We ask for wisdom, unity, and peace during this extended transition. May the next two years foster the infrastructure and collaboration needed for a democratic future, bringing stability and prosperity to the country’s citizens and resilience to those we serve.
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