South Sudan eyes first post-independence polls in December

South Sudan is preparing for what could be a historic milestone: its first elections since gaining independence in 2011. After years of delays driven by conflict and political instability, the government has set its sights on holding general elections in December. 

Yet, as the date approaches, uncertainty looms over whether Sudan is ready for the vote.

The 2018 peace agreement, intended to stabilize the country after years of civil war, remains fragile. Recent government moves to amend parts of the deal without opposition backing, have drawn criticism from rival parties and international observers, raising fresh concerns about the credibility of the process.

Political tensions have also intensified after Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest and faces treason charges, a development that has further strained the already delicate unity government.

Despite the turmoil, authorities insist they are committed to proceeding with elections as scheduled. However, analysts warn that critical preparations are lagging behind.

Edmund Yakani, a political analyst, points to gaps in funding and logistics.

"The country's readiness for elections is behind schedule, particularly due to a lack of funding for the National Election Commission to carry out its duties and create an enabling environment," he said.

Government officials maintain that financing will not be an obstacle, but the confidence contrasts sharply with economic realities on the ground.

Civil servants and members of the security forces have gone more than a year without salaries, while inflation continues to surge in a fragmented fiscal system.

Abraham Maliet, an advisor to the government's economic cluster, acknowledged the crisis, saying authorities are now prioritizing the payment of salary arrears, an issue that had previously received limited attention.

Beyond financial constraints, structural challenges persist. 

Experts note that voter registration remains incomplete, internal boundaries are still disputed, and the military is divided along ethnic lines. Several key provisions of the peace agreement have yet to be fully implemented.

These unresolved issues have fueled fears that the elections, rather than marking a new chapter, could trigger renewed violence.

For many South Sudanese, the prospect of voting represents a long-awaited step toward democracy.