South Sudan Postpones Elections to December 2026

South Sudan has announced a two-year delay for its much-anticipated elections, now scheduled for December 22, 2026, citing the need for further preparations, including a census and constitutional drafting. The decision follows a history of political infighting between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which has hindered progress since the peace agreement in 2018. The United Nations expressed disappointment over the postponement, emphasizing that South Sudan's leaders have made minimal progress on the necessary reforms. Meanwhile, South Africa's President Ramaphosa voiced support for the government's consensus decision, urging the allocation of resources for effective electoral processes. Amidst these delays, South Sudan faces dire humanitarian crises, including flooding and economic instability, which could escalate tensions if elections are postponed further. The situation has raised concerns about the credibility of any future elections and the overall stability of the nation.