South Sudan postpones first national elections again, to February 2027

JUBA: South Sudan has again postponed its first national elections since independence in 2011, moving polling from December to February amid concerns about insecurity, funding shortages and the country’s readiness to vote.

A revised timetable published Saturday by the National Election Commission sets Feb. 11, 2027, as polling day, replacing Dec. 22. The document did not give a reason for the postponement.

The polls have been repeatedly delayed, including in 2022 and 2024. The latest announcement follows warnings that elections could further unravel the country’s fragile peace.

The commission published the timetable on social media on the day voter registration was scheduled to begin. It also sets dates for candidate nominations and campaigning.