South Sudan has never had an election to hand over presidential power: so what are the rules of succession?

South Sudan’s laws provide a 48-hour window to name a successor to guarantee continuity with minimal friction.

By: Jan Pospisil, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 4, 2026

Words: 1,315

Last Updated: 6 days, 21 hours ago

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By Jan Pospisil

South Sudan has not held an election since it gained independence 15 years ago, and progress towards a new constitution has stalled. Election dates have been set and postponed at least three times. A new date has been set for December 2026 but it’s unclear the poll will take place. If it does, it will be the first electoral test for President Salva Kiir, who has been in power …

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