By Benson Daniel
South Sudan has replaced the chairman of its National Elections Commission just three months before presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
President Salva Kiir announced the appointment of Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, the commission’s secretary-general, as the new head of the electoral body. He replaces Abednego Akok Kacuol, with no reason given publicly for the change.
The leadership change comes as South Sudan’s electoral institutions face a tight timetable to prepare for the country’s planned elections, which are expected to be the first national polls since the country gained independence in 2011.
The elections have been repeatedly delayed since the country’s independence, largely amid political instability, conflict and difficulties implementing provisions of the 2018 peace agreement.
The latest preparations have included voter education and registration activities aimed at preparing citizens for participation in the December poll. The government has also approved legal amendments linked to the electoral process.
The transition at the top of the electoral commission comes amid continuing concerns over the political and security environment surrounding the planned elections.
A United Nations human rights commission recently said safeguards and conditions needed for peaceful and credible elections remained insufficient. South Sudan’s government rejected the assessment.
South Sudan has experienced prolonged political and armed conflict since gaining independence. A 2018 peace agreement helped end a five-year civil war between forces aligned with President Kiir and those supporting opposition leader Riek Machar, but several elements of the agreement remain incomplete.
The electoral process is therefore being closely watched by regional and international partners, particularly because of the country’s history of delayed elections and political tensions.
With only about three months remaining before the scheduled vote, the new election commission leadership will face the task of maintaining preparations while working with political parties, voters and other stakeholders.
The December election is expected to be a major milestone in South Sudan’s post-independence political development, although its conduct will depend on the country’s ability to address outstanding electoral, political and security challenges before voting day.
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