South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced on Tuesday night that Abednego Akok Kakoul, the head of the National Election Commission, has been dismissed from his position. This decision comes just three months before the country's first elections and no specific reason has been provided for this action. Akok will be replaced by Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, who previously served as the Secretary-General of the Election Commission.
Akok's Background and Changes in the Election Commission
Abednego Akok, 71, was appointed as the head of the Election Commission in August 2012 and was reappointed to this position in November 2023 after the commission was restructured under the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war. South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections since its independence in 2011, citing delays in implementing the peace agreement.
The transitional period and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement have been extended several times. According to the current roadmap, the transitional government is set to dissolve on September 22, and elections are scheduled for December 22, while the transitional period is set to end by February next year.
Implications of Leadership Change in the Election Commission
Some experts believe that the leadership change in the Election Commission could impact the conduct of the elections. Ibrahim Kol Nyuan, a political analyst and head of the Graduate School at the University of Juba, stated that this change may complicate preparations, including voter registration. He also emphasized that "this is a delaying tactic" and urged the people of South Sudan not to hope for the December 22 elections.
Nyuan also added that the new head of the commission needs time to familiarize himself with his duties and make the necessary decisions to complete preparations. This decision has also raised questions about the legal process for dismissing the head of the Election Commission. The National Election Law outlines a specific process for the removal of the head of the commission and specifies grounds for dismissal, including proven bias, inability to perform duties, and misconduct.
Political analyst Boboya James Edmond also stated that this decision does not meet legal requirements. He noted that "the president has no authority under South Sudan law to dismiss the head of the National Election Commission without following proper procedures" and warned that this decision could lead to uncertainty in the electoral process.
The continuation of this situation could affect the electoral process and political participation in the country. The United Nations Human Rights Commission in South Sudan also warned last week that holding elections without safety measures and comprehensive political dialogue could lead to renewed conflicts. Yasmin Sooka, the head of the commission, stated: "The country can move towards elections in a way that deepens divisions and conflicts, or it can seize this opportunity to restore political dialogue, protect civilians, and establish the necessary measures for a peaceful and credible transition."
