South Sudan President Replaces Electoral Body Head Months Before Election

South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced Tuesday the removal of the head of the National Elections Commission, Abednego Akok Kacuol, with Gabriel Bol Deng Majok appointed as his replacement. The change occurred three months before South Sudan's first election, scheduled for December 22.

Akok, 71, had served as the commission's chairperson since August 2012 and was reappointed in November 2023 following the reconstitution of the body under a 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war. South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has seen elections postponed multiple times, attributed to delays in implementing the peace deal.

The transitional period, established by the 2018 agreement, has been extended on several occasions. The current roadmap outlines the dissolution of the transitional government on September 22, with elections to follow in December. The transitional period is set to expire in February.

Political analysts suggest the leadership change could impede election preparations. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, dean of the University of Juba graduate college, stated that the move might be a "delay tactic" and expressed doubt about the December polls taking place. He noted that the new chairperson would require time to acclimate to the role and finalize necessary preparations, such as voter registration.

The legality of Akok's removal has also been questioned. The National Elections Act specifies procedures and grounds for dismissal, including proven partiality, inability to perform duties, or gross misconduct. Boboya James Edmond, chief executive officer of the Institute of Social Policy Research in South Sudan, argued that the president lacks the sole authority to remove the chairperson without adhering to these legal procedures. Edmond warned that the decision could introduce further uncertainty into the electoral process, stating, "The president is acting now as a referee rather than as a player and participant in the electoral process."

Last week, the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan cautioned that elections held without adequate safeguards and inclusive political dialogue could potentially reignite conflict. Yasmin Sooka, the commission's chairperson, stated, "The country can move toward elections in a way that deepens division and conflict, or it can use this moment to restore political dialogue, protect civilians and put in place the safeguards needed for a peaceful and credible transition."