By Sabri Dibaco
South Sudan’s electoral preparations are facing significant setbacks due to inadequate funding, with election officials warning that delays in the release of government funds are disrupting key activities ahead of the country’s planned elections.
Presenting a report during a high-level meeting attended by government officials and international partners, James Akol, head of the Political Parties Council, revealed that while the Ministry of Finance had committed to financing the electoral process, less than 40 percent of the approved budget has so far been disbursed.
Chairperson James Akol said the funding gap has severely affected operations across the country, limiting the ability of staff to verify political party membership, conduct field inspections, and prepare voter registration activities.
“While the Ministry of Finance committed to funding the electoral cycle, less than 40 percent of the allocated budget has actually been released,” Akol said.
He warned that the shortfall has pushed the institution toward operational paralysis.
According to the report, the commission has been cleaning political party membership registers and removing duplicate registrations to ensure compliance with legal requirements before the next phase of presidential nominations and voter synchronisation.
However, the official cautioned that progress made in these technical preparations could be reversed if funding challenges are not addressed immediately.
In addition to financial constraints, insecurity has further complicated electoral preparations. The commission reported that field operations have been suspended in several areas due to ongoing security threats, preventing officials from carrying out verification exercises.
James Akol appealed to the government to urgently release the outstanding funds needed to keep election preparations on schedule.
“Technical milestones are meaningless without immediate domestic cash injections and robust security guarantees,” Akol stated.
He further urged the meeting to adopt recommendations requiring the Ministry of Finance to fast-track the release of the remaining election budget.
“We need this board to demand that the Ministry of Finance fast-track our remaining budget tranche. We also need security agencies and UNMISS to secure protected travel corridors for our inspectors,” Akol added.
The official noted that discussions with international partners, including the African Union and regional stakeholders, have emphasised that any adjustments to the transitional roadmap should be based on broad political consensus and should strengthen, rather than weaken, electoral institutions.
South Sudan has been working toward implementing the provisions of the peace agreement, which calls for democratic elections following the completion of key transitional tasks.
The country’s electoral institutions have been verifying political party membership lists to ensure parties meet the legal registration requirements before the nomination and voter registration phases begin.
The government has repeatedly pledged to finance the electoral process, but delays in releasing funds have become a recurring concern.
Election officials have consistently warned that inadequate financing, coupled with insecurity and logistical challenges in several parts of the country, could delay critical preparations and affect the credibility and timetable of the planned elections.
International partners, including the United Nations and regional organisations, have continued to urge timely funding and improved security to ensure South Sudan is prepared for peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.