Juba, South Sudan (Running Africa) — South Sudan has announced December 22 as the date for its long-awaited first general election, but significant political, financial, and security challenges continue to cast doubt over whether the historic vote will proceed as scheduled.

The announcement was made by electoral commission chairperson Abednego Akok Kacuol, who acknowledged that major obstacles remain despite the government’s commitment to holding the polls. Among the key concerns are funding shortages, incomplete electoral and constitutional reforms, and persistent insecurity in several parts of the country.

Kacuol warned that if the necessary financial resources are not secured in time, authorities may be forced to adopt what he described as a “realistic electoral timeline,” a statement that has fueled speculation that another postponement could be possible.

The proposed vote represents a significant milestone for South Sudan, which has never held a general election since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. President Salva Kiir has remained in office throughout the country’s 15-year history, governing through transitional arrangements shaped by conflict and peace agreements.

Efforts to organize elections have repeatedly been delayed. A planned vote in 2015 was derailed by a devastating civil war that erupted in 2013, while a 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar established a roadmap toward elections by 2022. That deadline passed without a vote, leading to further extensions of the transitional government.

Political tensions remain high as the country moves toward the proposed election date. Observers have raised concerns about security conditions, institutional readiness, and the implementation of key provisions of the peace agreement that are intended to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

Supporters of the process argue that a successful election could mark a crucial step toward democratic governance and long-term stability. Critics, however, warn that unresolved political disputes and logistical challenges could undermine the credibility of the vote if preparations are not completed in time.

As the countdown to December continues, the election is being closely watched both within South Sudan and across the region as a critical test of the country’s fragile peace process and democratic future.