South Sudan: Kiir replaces electoral chief three months before vote

The presidential decree, announced on Tuesday evening by state television, appoints Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, who was previously the commission’s secretary general, as the new president of the body responsible for organizing the vote. No official reason has been provided for Kacuol’s departure.

This change comes as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011. The elections will include a presidential vote and legislative elections, following several delays in the transition timeline.

The National Election Commission is mandated by the Constitution and electoral law to organize elections and referendums, including voter registration, candidate registration, training of electoral staff, and civic education.

Kacuol’s replacement occurs amid significant concerns regarding the preparations for the vote. The UN Human Rights Commission on South Sudan stated last week that several necessary guarantees for peaceful and credible elections have yet to be met. The government dismissed this warning..

Abednego Akok Kacuol was reappointed to lead the commission in 2023 as part of the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. Gabriel Bol Deng Majok had been serving as the secretary general of the NEC. The presidential and legislative elections remain set for December 22, 2026.