South Sudan President Dissolves Government Ahead of December Election

Transitional Government Dissolved

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dissolved the country’s transitional government, three months before elections scheduled for December 22. The move followed amendments to the country’s election laws that removed key requirements that had previously needed to be completed before voting could take place.

Election Laws Amended

Parliament approved changes to the National Elections Act, which President Kiir subsequently signed into law. The amendments remove the requirement for a permanent constitution and a national population census to be completed before elections. Voter registration has also yet to begin.

President Retains Executive Powers

Under the amended legislation, the incumbent executive leadership can remain in office with full constitutional powers throughout the election period until a newly elected president assumes office. The changes also alter the composition of the legislature, reducing the National Legislative Assembly from 650 members to 270.

Election Preparations Face Delays

South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections since gaining independence in 2011. The transitional arrangements were established under a 2018 peace agreement following a five-year civil war, but several key provisions of the agreement have remained incomplete.

Voter Registration Still Pending

The National Elections Commission has approved a voter registration book and identified registration centres across the country. The commission said it would announce the start of voter registration once the necessary materials had been distributed.

Electoral Commission Leadership Changed

The political transition follows Kiir’s recent replacement of the chairperson of the National Elections Commission. Abednego Akok Kacuol was removed without a publicly stated reason and replaced by Gabriel Bol Deng Majok. The change came only months before the planned election and prompted concerns about the commission’s preparations.

Security Tightened in Juba

Security forces were deployed heavily in the capital, Juba, as the government dissolution approached. AFP reported increased military presence along roads, while an Internal Security Bureau directive ordered forces to remain in uniform and on high alert for three days beginning September 22.

Opposition Concerns

South Sudan’s political tensions remain high, particularly because opposition leader Riek Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is facing charges including treason and murder, which he denies. His absence from normal political activity has raised questions about opposition participation in the electoral process.

Warnings Over Conflict Risk

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that elections without adequate safeguards and inclusive political dialogue could increase the risk of renewed conflict. Amnesty International has also called for protections for freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly ahead of the vote.

Three Months Until the Vote

The dissolution marks the beginning of the final three-month period before the scheduled December 22 election. Attention will now focus on the composition of the caretaker administration, voter registration, political participation and whether outstanding disputes can be addressed before South Sudan goes to the polls.