Kiir sticks to December 22 vote despite doubts over readiness

South Sudan President Salva Kiir in Juba, South Sudan, April 3, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

South Sudan’s plan to hold its first general election in December has drawn fresh scepticism from the chief mediator in the country’s peace process, who warns that the world’s youngest nation is far from ready for credible polls.

President Salva Kiir has set December 22 for the long-delayed vote, but questions over security, electoral laws, funding and voter registration continue to cloud the process.