RJMEC Warning on South Sudan Elections Timeline
With less than a year left before South Sudan’s planned elections, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) says the country remains far from the minimum conditions for a credible vote.
The assessment appears in RJMEC’s quarterly report covering October 1 to December 31, 2025. The document highlights a deteriorating security environment, mounting humanitarian needs and deepening political tensions that RJMEC says could undermine the 2018 peace agreement.
Security Sector Reforms Still Stalled, Report Says
In its latest review of the 2018 peace agreement, RJMEC identifies stalled security, legal and political reforms as central factors raising doubts over the feasibility of the polls.
A key concern is the continued failure to unify the necessary forces, a step widely seen as essential for a secure and neutral environment for campaigning and voting, according to the report.
Judiciary and Constitutional Delays Cloud Electoral Trust
RJMEC also flags delays in judicial and constitutional reforms, warning that weak legal institutions can erode public confidence in the electoral process and restrict peaceful dispute resolution.
“Without an independent and functional judiciary,” RJMEC notes, elections risk becoming a source of conflict rather than stability.
Constituency Boundaries Debate Adds Political Strain
The report raises concerns about the National Elections Commission’s decision to rely on constituency boundaries drawn in 2010.
RJMEC says the use of outdated boundaries has triggered objections from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue the approach could affect fairness and representation.
Political and Civic Space Concerns Cited by RJMEC
Beyond technical preparations, RJMEC describes shrinking political and civic space as a major obstacle to an inclusive electoral process.
According to RJMEC, the dismissal of opposition officials, restrictions on political activity and the continued detention of political actors contradict the spirit of the peace agreement and may limit broad participation.
RJMEC Recommendations for Transitional Government and Partners
RJMEC urges the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to take immediate corrective steps, including reinstating dismissed opposition officials and guaranteeing freedoms of expression, assembly and association.
The body also calls for sufficient funding for electoral and constitution-making institutions, and asks IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations to intensify diplomatic engagement to help break the political deadlock and support inclusive national dialogue.
Peace Deal Oversight Body Sees a “Critical Crossroads”
“The South Sudan peace process stands at a critical crossroads,” RJMEC warns, arguing that without decisive and coordinated action, the country risks renewed instability and the erosion of gains made since the peace deal was signed.
RJMEC is an independent oversight body established under the 2018 Revitalised Agreement to monitor, verify and report on the implementation of the peace agreement (Standard Zone News; RJMEC quarterly report, Oct 1–Dec 31, 2025).