After 15 Years, South Sudan Finally Schedules First National Election

South Sudan has announced plans to hold its first-ever national election on December 22, raising hopes for a democratic transition in the world's youngest nation after years of delays caused by conflict and political instability.

The proposed vote would mark the first time citizens of the East African country will elect national leaders through the ballot box since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.

President Salva Kiir, who has remained in office since independence, is widely expected to seek another term, although he has yet to formally declare his candidacy.

The election has been repeatedly postponed over the past decade. Initial plans to hold polls in 2015 were abandoned after the outbreak of a devastating civil war that plunged the country into conflict and humanitarian crisis.

A 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and his long-time rival, Riek Machar, created a unity government and set out a roadmap for elections in 2022. However, political disagreements and logistical challenges prevented the vote from taking place.

Fresh uncertainty continues to surround the electoral process.

Machar was removed from his position as vice-president and later arrested on charges including murder, treason and crimes against humanity, allegations he denies. He has reportedly remained under house arrest in the capital, Juba, since March, while fighting continues in parts of the country.

The political standoff has fuelled fears that South Sudan could slide back into large-scale conflict.

The election date was announced by the chairman of the country's electoral commission, Abednego Akok Kacuol, who acknowledged that major obstacles remain.

According to him, unresolved legal reforms and inadequate funding continue to hinder preparations for the nationwide vote.

"The political will is not ours; it lies with the government," Kacuol said while outlining the commission's plans.

He warned that securing adequate funding within the coming months would be critical to ensuring the election proceeds as scheduled.

Despite the challenges, the South Sudanese presidency insists the government remains committed to implementing the 2018 peace agreement and conducting democratic elections.

In a statement, the presidency said preparations for dialogue among political parties and stakeholders were advancing and would help build consensus on election-related issues.

However, opposition groups and civil society organisations remain sceptical about the country's readiness.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), the party aligned with Machar, has questioned the feasibility of holding credible elections under current conditions.

Nathaniel Pierino, acting chairman of the group, warned that election activities in areas under the movement's control could face resistance.

"Anyone coming to register voters and campaign in territories controlled by the mighty SPLM-IO, you will be a prisoner of war," he said in a social media post.

"Be reminded, the country is at war."

The warning highlights the fragile security situation facing the country as it attempts to organise what could become one of the most significant political events in its history.

If successfully conducted, the election would represent a major milestone in South Sudan's journey toward democratic governance. However, with political tensions unresolved, violence persisting in parts of the country and concerns over electoral readiness mounting, significant challenges remain before voters can head to the polls in December.