South Sudan general election faces doubts over delays and security

South Sudan has scheduled its first general election for December 22, according to DW. Concerns over whether a credible poll can take place are growing due to insecurity, high political tensions, and a failure to begin voter registration. [1]

DW reported that political debate has intensified after President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government on September 22 to establish a caretaker administration. Denis Logonyi, a journalist based in the capital city of Juba, said many people in the country remain uncertain as preparations lag. [1]

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and has an estimated population of over 12.7 million people. Juba serves as the national capital and political hub of the landlocked East African country. [1][7][8]

The nation faces severe economic challenges alongside political instability. South Sudan depends on oil exports for more than 90 percent of its government revenue, but production disruptions connected to conflict in neighboring Sudan have caused the economy to shrink significantly. [8]