Kiir dissolves government, clears hurdles to delayed election

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government on Tuesday, paving the way for long-delayed elections. This decision came just hours after Kiir signed amendments to election laws, which removed prerequisites for a permanent constitution and national census before the vote. These amendments were passed by the country's Parliament on Monday, as South Sudan entered a crucial stage of election preparations.

Under the peace deal of 2018, South Sudan's transitional government was established following years of conflict. However, repeated delays in key benchmarks, such as a permanent constitution and census, have significantly delayed election preparations. Kiir's decision to dissolve the transitional government is in line with the requirements of the electoral process.

The amended National Elections Act allows the incumbent executive leadership to continue in office with full constitutional powers throughout the election period, until a newly elected president assumes office. This decision comes after Kiir replaced the head of the elections commission last week, although the reason for this move remains undisclosed.

The amendments also significantly reduce the size of South Sudan's legislature. The National Legislative Assembly will now consist of only 270 members, down from 650. Similarly, state assemblies will be reduced to 58 seats from 100, while legislative councils in administrative areas will have 20 members instead of the previous number. Voter registration has not yet begun, marking another milestone in South Sudan's journey towards holding free and fair elections.