South Sudan swaps election commission chief weeks before Dec. 22 vote
President Salva Kiir appointed Gabriel Bol Deng as the new head of the election commission, replacing Abednego Akok Kacuol, just three months before the scheduled December elections.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir announced a leadership change at the election commission, appointing Gabriel Bol Deng as secretary-general and removing Abednego Akok Kacuol from the post. The decision was read on the state-owned broadcaster and no explanation was provided. The timing is notable, as the nation prepares for its first presidential and parliamentary elections since gaining independence, slated for December 22.
A United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan report last one outlet highlighted the absence of necessary safeguards and conditions for a peaceful, credible election. UN commissioner Barney Afako stressed the need to protect voters' rights and ensure fair competition and dispute resolution. Although a 2018 peace accord ended a five-year conflict, sporadic inter-communal violence still plagues the country.
Why it matters
The leadership swap could affect the credibility and organization of South Sudan's upcoming historic elections.
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