Dr Luka Biong Deng, Managing Director of the Sudd Institute - Courtesy

A South Sudanese researcher has warned that endless extensions will continue unless leaders adjust the consequences of not implementing agreements.

Dr Luka Biong Deng, the Managing Director of the Sudd Institute warned in a statement after the long-awaited general elections in South Sudan, originally scheduled for December 2024, have been officially postponed for two years, now set for December 2026.

This decision was unanimously endorsed by the Council of Ministers of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU).

However, the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) experienced a significant split in opinion regarding the extension of the transitional period of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Out of 42 members present at the RJMEC meeting, 34 supported the extension, while 7 voiced dissent.

Dr Biong, a prominent figure in South Sudanese politics, emphasized the implications of this decision.

“Although the majority endorsed the extension, the 19% dissent reflects a concerning level of dissatisfaction that could echo public sentiment,” he stated.

The extension will now move to the National Legislature for final approval, where lawmakers will need to consider the voices of the citizens they represent.

The uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of future elections looms large, especially as a potential legitimacy crisis approaches on September 22.

Biong raised critical questions about the prospects of conducting elections in 2026, stating, “What if conditions were not met again in 2026? Given the current political mindset and the challenges within our institutions, the likelihood of being ready for elections is slim.”

He suggested two primary scenarios regarding the future of South Sudan’s electoral process:

Further Postponement

Dr Biong stated that should the conditions for elections remain unmet in 2026, the R-ARCSS could be amended again, leading to another 24-month extension to February 2029.

He warned, “This cycle of endless extensions will continue unless we change the cost dynamics of non-implementation.”

Proactive Legislative Action

According to Biong, the National Legislature could take steps now to establish clear procedures for concluding the cycle of delays.

This includes potential amendments to the Elections Act of 2012, allowing the President to dissolve current legislative bodies and appoint a technocratic caretaker government to oversee election preparations.

Biong stated, “The commitment made by the RJMEC must translate into actionable plans to avoid further extensions.”

He urged civil society organizations think tanks, and academic institutions to play a pivotal role in shaping this national agenda by providing informed analyses and recommendations to the legislature.

As South Sudan navigates these uncertain waters, the question remains: can the nation break free from the cycle of delays and establish a path toward credible governance and stability?

According to him, the coming months will be crucial as the National Legislature deliberates on the future of South Sudan’s political landscape.