In a decisive move to prepare for the December 22 elections, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has dissolved the transitional government, including the national parliament and all state governments. Under the newly amended law, Kiir removed all five vice-presidents, effectively clearing the political landscape as he seeks to maintain his grip on power.
The capital, Juba, saw a significant increase in security presence, with soldiers from the army and national security services securing government ministries and patrolling the streets. While Kiir remains in office with full constitutional authority, the main opposition leader, Riek Machar, remains under house arrest after being charged with treason.
The opposition, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has previously threatened to treat election officials as prisoners of war in their territories, highlighting the volatility surrounding the upcoming vote.
With the national elections commission facing massive funding shortfalls—having received only $21 million of the $250 million requested—the path to a stable transition remains uncertain.
Kiir, the candidate for the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, currently faces no prominent challengers, setting the stage for a consolidation of power in a nation that has struggled to hold a single election since its 2011 independence.
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