Analyst says Machar’s status key to credible general elections

The fate of detained First Vice President Riek Machar remains central to determining whether credible elections can take place in the country, a South Sudanese political analyst has said.

Abraham Kuol Nyoun, an associate professor at the University of Juba, said President Salva Kiir needs to resolve Machar’s case before the campaign period begins in order to ensure a genuine electoral process.

He said Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, remains a key figure in the peace agreement, adding that elections without his participation would be difficult to conduct.

“The question is how do you go for election without IO being led by Riek Machar when his fate is also determined? If people are really going for elections, then the pending court case for the First Vice President must be resolved. He should either be released unconditionally to participate in the election,” Kuol said.

He added that stability in the country would require a political arrangement similar to the earlier structure of the SPLM, saying, “For this country to be peaceful, Riek Machar must be running mate to Kiir Mayardit. If that is not the case, then let the system determine its own direction.”

Machar and several SPLM-IO members have been in court since September last year over alleged links to the Nasir incident.

Kuol also said credible elections depend on political freedom, allowing parties to campaign freely across the country.

“You cannot do elections without pure politics. The IO must be allowed to hold rallies without intimidation and go anywhere in the country to campaign. There is no election without campaign. If the President wants this country to survive and be free, then people must be given freedom to speak,” he said.

The comments come as preparations continue for the planned December 2026 elections, amid ongoing debate over conditions required for a free and fair vote.