The Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, has said the government is ready to conduct elections, dismissing circulating reports suggesting an extension of the transitional period.
“We have learnt that some media houses and online bloggers
have been making misleading comments that the Council of ministers, during last
Friday sitting, resolved to extend the lifespan of the government for another twenty-four
months,” Wek told reporters on Tuesday during a press conference in Juba.
“This is not true. There is nowhere extension was discussed.”
Wek also expressed concern over what he described as the
spread of misinformation, including statements falsely attributed to him
announcing an extension.
“I have repeatedly encouraged journalists to strictly verify
information with credible sources,” he added.
He stated that preparations for the elections are ongoing
and urged the public and media to rely on official sources for accurate
information.
He noted that the elections will allow citizens of South
Sudan to choose their leaders, in line with C-5 resolutions calling for renewed
dialogue with the opposition and the conduct of elections, among other measures.
In a meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir in Juba
on April 9, 2026, the African Union (AU) expressed confidence in preparations
for the December 2026 elections following high-level talks.
The AU envoy said there should be no extension beyond the
agreed electoral timeline and noted that earlier consultations, including the
C5 and Pretoria meetings, helped improve coordination among stakeholders.
The elections, scheduled for December 2026, have been postponed several times due to ongoing political tensions.