The viability of elections as a peaceful political transition option in South Sudan is increasingly precarious.
According to Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, Edmund Yakani, the recent surge in armed violence exacerbate the situation.
He warned that if the ongoing violence in various parts of the country is not effectively managed by the national leadership, the planned 2026 elections are likely to fail.
The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) roadmap stipulates that elections should be held after the transitional period, facilitating a shift to a democratic government.
However, recent clashes between government forces and armed militants, allegedly affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by Dr. Riek Machar, pose a significant threat to the December 2026 general elections.
“The possibility of elections as a viable option for peaceful transition is narrowing daily. The delivery of the required pending tasks of the R-ARCSS, crucial for creating adequate conditions for holding elections, is significantly behind schedule,” Yakani stated.
The activist argued that if the outstanding R-ARCSS tasks, necessary for creating suitable conditions for the December 2026 elections, are not completed by the October 22, 2025 deadline, the elections are likely to fail, risking a return to civil war.
He further emphasized that failing to hold elections in December 2026 would represent a critical setback for the political transition from violence to peace.
Yakani appealed to the country’s political leaders to fulfill their constitutional and primary responsibility of transitioning the nation from violence to peace.
“The national optimism for a successful political transition through the R-ARCSS is gradually diminishing due to the resumption of armed violence in parts of the country. The leadership must undertake their constitutional obligations to ensure peace and stability prevail in South Sudan,” Yakani said.