Prof. Akok reportedly said the discussion focused on the release of elections budget in order to prepare the ground for the timely conduct of general elections.

“Their meeting focused on important priorities for the electoral body which include release of elections budget in order to prepare the ground for the timely conduct of general elections,” reads part of a statement from the Office of the President.

According to the 2018 pact, the President, in consultation with the Parties, and with the approval of the parliament, shall reconstitute a competent and impartial National Elections Commission to conduct elections, no later than twelve months after the commencement of the Transitional Period.

President Salva Kiir reappointed Prof. Akok on SPLM party ticket in November 2023 when the former reconstituted the National Elections Commission and relevant election institutions.

Michael Yabagayo of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) was named his deputy, Mach Maika Deng was appointed the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, and six more members were also appointed.

On January 12, 2024, the election commission boss appealed for timely release of over 250 billion South Sudan pounds to prepare the country for general elections in December 2024.

The election commission has previously been mired in bankruptcy as its chairperson repeated appealed to the Ministry of Finance and Planning to clear years of rent arrears lest they face eviction.