President Salva Kiir Mayardit has said changes are expected in South Sudan’s government structure following the upcoming national elections, including a possible reduction in the number of senior government positions and lawmakers.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kenyan media, President Kiir said the current arrangement of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), which includes five vice presidents and a parliament of more than 600 members, has affected the pace of development.

“There will be changes after the elections. So now you can see the five vice presidents. What will they do? Parliament, we have 650 members. What will they do? Because this new government prevented development. So, they will have to be reduced so that there is a window of development,” President Kiir said.

The president said he expects the post-election government structure to create more space for development and improve efficiency in governance.

The current power-sharing arrangement was established under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which created an inclusive transitional government bringing together rival political groups, former detainees, and other parties. The agreement also expanded the national parliament as part of efforts to accommodate the various signatories to the peace deal.

South Sudan is preparing for its first national elections since independence, with polls currently scheduled for December 2026.