The atihorities in South Sudan have confirmed the postponment of general eletions which were supposed to take place in December this year, APA learnt this weekend.
The government said moving the delayed polls could be explained by a lack of preparedness for a national exercise which was supposed to have been the culimination of a transition which began in 2020.
One government precondition to holding election is coming up with a new constitution, a task which has not been properly expedited.
Another stumbling block advanced by the government is logistical challenges coupled with a precarious security situation in some parts of the country.
According to the outlines of new timetable being put forward, polls are slated for December 2026.
An emergency meeting is taking place in Juba following the announcement of the poll postponement, the second time it has been moved.
South Sudan’s only elections took place before the world’s newest country became independent in 2011.
The oil-rich country’s peace process still remains fragile, despite the 2018 accord which ended over five years of a costly power struggle between current president Salva Kiir and his deputy Riak Machar.
The country descended into open conflict between President Kirr’s backers and Mr Machar after he was accused of orchestrating an abortive coup in December 2013.
Tens of thousands had died and close to three million were displaced in the fighting amid a humanitarian crisis caused by famine.
WN/as/APA