Amanze Chinonye
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has signed amendments to the country’s election law, removing requirements that national elections be preceded by completion of a permanent constitution and a national census.
Kiir signed the National Elections Act, 2012, Amendment Bill, 2026, on Monday, Sept. 21 after it was passed by the National Legislative Assembly. Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande Gedima said the changes harmonise the law with the Transitional Constitution and resolve inconsistencies in the existing legislation.
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Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande Gedima said the amendment gives effect to the government’s decision to separate the electoral process from the drafting of a permanent constitution and the conduct of a national census.
The amended legislation gives the National Elections Commission responsibility for organising polls at all levels of government. It also stipulates that the current executive leadership will retain its constitutional powers throughout the election period until a new president is sworn in.
The law allows Kiir, within three months before polling, to relieve the first vice president and other vice presidents of their positions in line with the Transitional Constitution.
It also restructures the legislative bodies ahead of the vote. The National Legislative Assembly will have 270 members, while each state assembly will consist of 58 members. Administrative Area Councils will have 20 councillors each.
The changes come as South Sudan works towards a Dec. 22 election, which would be its first since independence in 2011. Previous attempts to hold national polls have been delayed by difficulties implementing the 2018 peace agreement and completing associated political reforms.
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The South Sudan Opposition Alliance, which includes parties that signed the peace agreement, has objected to the amendments, saying they were adopted without sufficient consultation among the agreement’s signatories.
Kiir also replaced National Elections Commission chairman Abednego Akok Kacuol last week with Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, the commission’s former secretary-general. The presidency did not publicly state the reason for the change.
The election is scheduled to take place before the transitional period expires in February 2027.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
