“Forget December 22 elections” – political analyst warns of another postponement

A political analyst has cast doubt on the country’s ability to hold general elections in December citing delays in voter registration and inadequate funding for electoral institutions.

Dr Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a professor of political science and dean of the Graduate College at the University of Juba, said his assessment of the election preparations points to the possibility of another postponement.

“So far, I am convinced that there will be no elections on 22nd December 2026, and this is not the first time I have said so. Voter registration has not taken place. So, who is going to vote? Elections depend on a credible ballot and properly registered voters. Therefore, forget about holding elections on 22nd December 2026,” he said, speaking on Eye Radio’s Sundown Show on Thursday.

His remarks come as the National Elections Commission begins distributing voter registration books and other electoral materials to states and three administrative areas.

Dr Nyuon said the lack of adequate funding for the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council could further affect preparations for the polls.

He warned that failure to fund the two institutions could lead to another extension of the transitional period by President Salva Kiir.

“If election commission is not funded well with political parties’ council, then it is up to the president to continue extending over. Remember the peace agreement was for three years. We end up having how many years? Almost 10 years. So don’t be surprised this election can go on for three or four years without being don,” he stated.

Asked whether the president has the authority to postpone elections if conditions do not allow them to take place, Dr Nyuon said President Kiir wields significant power in the country’s fragile political system.

He argued that the president can make major decisions, including changing the election timetable, with little challenge.

“…you have seen when he dissolved the government, nobody talked. When he decreed people in and out, nobody stopped. So that’s the legitimacy of the fragile state, which is granted upon him based on fragility of the state and is the head of the government,” he asserted.