Now or never? Political Conditions for Credible Elections in South Sudan

Authors: James Kunhiak Muorwel and Jan Pospisil

South Sudan is approaching a pivotal moment as it prepares for its first national elections since independence, scheduled for December 2026.

While elections are widely seen as essential to restoring political legitimacy and concluding the country’s prolonged transitional period under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), significant political, legal, and institutional challenges remain. Administrative preparedness is uneven, civic and political space remains constrained, and elite political fragmentation continues to shape the electoral environment. Public demand for elections is strong, despite concerns about insecurity and readiness.

This policy brief examines the political and operational conditions required for elections to support stability, inclusion, and a credible transition, rather than risk deepening existing tensions.