The UN mission in South Sudan has issued a warning, stating that the country is not adequately prepared to hold elections next year.

Originally scheduled for December 2024, these elections would mark the first democratic exercise in the world's newest country, which gained independence from Sudan 12 years ago.

The prolonged and devastating civil war, along with a challenging peace process, has caused significant delays in conducting these crucial polls.

According to Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN mission, analysts believe that South Sudan has not yet put in place the required infrastructure necessary for conducting fair and credible elections.

The current situation in the war-torn country raises concerns about the feasibility of holding elections as planned.

The candid and honest observation of most analysts, observers and stakeholders, is that as it stands today, South Sudan is not yet ready for elections. But that elections could be held on schedule if there is adequate political will, a practical approach to the arrangements and commensurate resources are applied to achieving the benchmarks and the roadmap.”

He further cautioned:

"I don't think the elections will have the effect they should have if they are not transparent, if they are not free and they are not fair."

"I don't think the elections will have the effect they should have if they are not transparent, if they are not free and they are not fair."

"Quote Message: "Then, simply, they will provide a basis for more conflict. It's really important that we establish proper foundations for the elections.”

"Then, simply, they will provide a basis for more conflict. It's really important that we establish proper foundations for the elections.”