The government of South Sudan has announced the extension of elections that were slated for this December by two years.
The pronouncement was made by the country's Presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit
This is the second time the country, which gained independence in 2011, is postponing elections and extending a transitional period that started in February 2020.
According to South Sudan's Presidential Adviser on National Security, the postponements were made to implement the critical remaining protocols in Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) finalised in 2018.
The protocols he mentioned include; the permanent constitution process, census, and the registration of political parties.
The country's Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro said the extension is in response to the recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector.
Citing pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections, necessitating the delay, Lomuro said there is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls.
Minister Lomuro also reassured the public that the government would remain operational during this extended period.
The Minister further stressed that the government will not be dissolved and will continue to function as usual while the institutions work to finalise their provisions.
The presidency also emphasises that the remaining months of the current transitional period will be utilized to mobilise funds aimed at the effective implementation of the revitalised peace agreement, an initiative, Dr. Lomuro emphasised it is crucial for achieving long-term peace and stability in the country.
President Kiir, and rival Riek Machar signed a peace deal to form a transitional government in 2018, with Machar becoming the first vice president, among four others.