South Sudan postpones December election by two years, Which African Countries That Have Postponed Elections?

September 14, Nairobi, Kenya-South Sudan’s government has announced it is postponing long-delayed general elections until December 2026, citing a lack of preparedness.

In a statement accessed by Dissimilar Media, “The presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections, which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026,” Kiir’s office said on Friday.

Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, offering citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders.

However, in Africa, numerous countries have faced political, logistical, or security challenges that have led to the postponement of elections.

While postponing elections can sometimes safeguard stability, it can also raise concerns about democratic processes. Below are key examples of African countries that have postponed elections in recent years.

8. Kenya

Kenya’s electoral process has been fraught with challenges. In 2017, the country made headlines when its Supreme Court annulled the presidential election results, citing irregularities and illegalities. While the original election took place in August, the rerun was held in October after weeks of political uncertainty and protests. The election postponement highlighted the deep political tensions within the country, but also showcased the strength of its judiciary.

7. Nigeria

Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, has had its fair share of election postponements. In 2019, the general elections were delayed by a week, just hours before polls were scheduled to open. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cited logistical challenges as the reason for the postponement. Similarly, in 2015, Nigeria postponed its elections by six weeks due to security concerns posed by the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of the country.

6. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced repeated delays in its electoral process. Originally scheduled for 2016, the country’s long-awaited presidential election was postponed multiple times, with the official vote eventually taking place in December 2018. The government cited logistical and security issues, while critics accused then-President Joseph Kabila of deliberately delaying the vote to extend his hold on power.

5. Somalia

Somalia, a nation recovering from decades of conflict, has struggled with organizing nationwide elections. In 2021, the country postponed its general elections due to disagreements between the federal government and regional states, as well as security concerns. This delay sparked political tension, with opposition leaders accusing the incumbent president of trying to extend his term unlawfully. However, a resolution was eventually reached to hold elections later in the year.

4. Libya

Libya, embroiled in civil conflict since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has seen multiple postponements of its electoral process. The country's presidential election, initially scheduled for December 2021, was delayed due to legal disputes over candidate eligibility and ongoing instability. The postponement highlighted the difficulties of rebuilding democratic institutions in a country still divided by conflict.

3. South Sudan

The world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, has grappled with instability since gaining independence in 2011. Elections initially planned for 2015 were postponed due to ongoing civil war and lack of preparedness. The country’s transitional government later agreed to hold elections in 2023, although delays continue to be a concern amid ongoing peace negotiations.

2. Ethiopia

Ethiopia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, postponed its general elections in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision, made by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, was met with opposition from certain political groups, leading to increased political tension in the country. The election was eventually held in June 2021, though it was boycotted by several opposition parties.

1. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s political landscape has long been marked by election-related controversies. In 2008, the country’s presidential run-off was delayed after widespread violence and intimidation marred the initial vote. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the race, leading to the postponement of the run-off election and a controversial victory for Robert Mugabe. This event remains a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s electoral history.

The Growing Challenge of Election Postponements in Africa

Election postponements can be caused by a variety of factors, including logistical issues, security concerns, or political crises. While postponing elections can sometimes help maintain stability and prevent violence, it can also lead to concerns over democratic backsliding and power retention by incumbents. Across Africa, the postponement of elections often signals deeper underlying issues within governance and state institutions.

Why Election Postponements Matter

Postponing elections has a direct impact on democracy and governance. It can undermine citizens' trust in electoral processes, weaken institutions, and increase political polarization. Conversely, when done transparently and for legitimate reasons, delays can provide an opportunity for more credible and peaceful elections. As African nations continue to develop their political systems, addressing the root causes of these postponements will be key to ensuring long-term stability and democratic governance.

Conclusion

The postponement of elections is not unique to Africa, but the frequency and reasons for delays across the continent highlight the complex challenges many nations face in organizing free and fair elections. While the examples listed above illustrate varying degrees of success in managing postponed elections, they also underscore the importance of addressing the political and structural issues that often lead to such delays. For Africa’s democratic future, ensuring timely, transparent, and peaceful elections will remain a critical goal.