South Sudan President Salva Kiir assents to constitutional changes

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has approved constitutional amendments removing the requirement for a permanent constitution and a national census to be completed before elections can be held.

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly passed the amendments on September 1, with President Kiir assenting to them on September 2.

The changes separate the December 22, 2026 elections from the ongoing constitution-making process and the planned population and housing census, which were both listed as conditions for elections under the 2018 peace agreement.

South Sudan has postponed elections several times since gaining independence in 2011. The latest delay came in 2024, when the transitional government and opposition agreed to extend the political transition and hold elections in December 2026.

The amendments follow similar changes to the 2018 peace agreement approved by parliament and signed by Kiir in July 2026.

The government says removing the legal requirements will clear the way for the elections. However, major challenges remain, including preparations by electoral bodies, funding and broader political and security concerns.

With input from wires