South Sudan Replaces Election Chief

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir removed the head of the national election commission on Tuesday, replacing Abednego Akok Kacuol with Secretary General Gabriel Bol Deng just three months before the country’s upcoming national vote.

State television broadcast the presidential decree, which offered no official reason for the sudden leadership change ahead of the December 22 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The decision comes amid growing international concern regarding the country’s readiness for its first national election since gaining independence in 2011.

While the nation maintains a fragile 2018 peace deal following years of civil conflict, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned last week that basic conditions for credible voting remain absent.

South Sudan replaces election chief (News Central TV) — South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. Credit: Reuters

UN Commissioner Barney Afako urged authorities to safeguard democratic rights, emphasising that citizens must “participate freely, compete fairly, and resolve any electoral disputes through credible adjudication.”

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.