The Presidency announced on Friday that it would postpone elections until December 2026 and extend the revitalized transitional unity government for an additional two years.
The country was initially scheduled to conduct general elections in December 2024; however, it was unable to do so due to a lack of progress on certain critical tasks that are necessary for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
Hon. Tut Gatluak, the presidential adviser on national security, stated that the extension presents an opportunity to execute the remaining critical protocols in R-ARCSS, including the permanent constitution process, census, and political party registration.
For his part, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, the minister of cabinet affairs, stated that the extension is in accordance with the recommendations of both the security sector and electoral institutions.
The country was initially scheduled to conduct general elections in December 2024; however, it was unable to do so due to a lack of progress on certain critical tasks that are necessary for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
Hon. Tut Gatluak, the presidential adviser on national security, stated that the extension presents an opportunity to execute the remaining critical protocols in R-ARCSS, including the permanent constitution process, census, and political party registration.
For his part, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, the minister of cabinet affairs, stated that the extension is in accordance with the recommendations of both the security sector and electoral institutions.
"Minister Lomuro also reassured the public that the government would remain operational during this extended period," said Lily Adhieu, presidential press secretary.
The minister further stressed that the government would not be dissolved and would continue functioning as usual. At the same time, the institutions worked to finalize their provisions.
The presidency also emphasized that the remaining months of the current transitional period will be used to mobilize funds to effectively implement the revitalized peace agreement.
This initiative, Dr. Lomuro stressed, is crucial for achieving long-term peace and stability in the country.