A coalition of opposition parties has warned that political maneuvering by South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is undermining preparations for long-delayed national elections, insisting the vote must proceed in December 2026 without further postponement.
Peter Mayen Majongdit, leader of the People’s Liberal Party and a prominent figure in the Other Political Parties (OPP) coalition, accused the SPLM of using intimidation and “divide-and-rule” tactics to weaken rivals.
“If you have a problem with us, come open. Leave your gun behind and let us go to the public,” Mayen told reporters in Juba on Friday following a two-day strategy conference.
The OPP is a key signatory to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
The coalition is split into two factions: an umbrella group led by Mayen and the National Alliance of Political Parties headed by Deputy Speaker Kornelio Kon.
South Sudan has not held a national election since independence in 2011.
Polls originally scheduled for 2015 were derailed by civil war, political deadlock, and economic instability, leading to repeated extensions of the transitional period.
Mayen rejected claims that insecurity or financial hardship justify another delay, describing elections as the only path out of the country’s crisis.
“We have no plan B; elections have to happen,” he said.
“Economic hardship cannot be a scapegoat.”
He alleged that some government officials are seeking excuses for an extension despite public commitments by President Salva Kiir to hold the vote.
Mayen pointed to the National Elections Commission’s announcement of electoral boundaries in December as effectively closing the window for further transitional extensions.
Mayen also accused the ruling party of marginalising his coalition by reallocating government posts originally allocated to the OPP to political allies.
He claimed several lawmakers from his group had been removed and replaced by figures no longer representing the coalition.
“Give us what belongs to us,” Mayen said.
“Enough—four years is enough. The time for eating is over.”
The opposition group said it would formally submit resolutions to the presidency demanding restoration of its ministerial positions and the right to appoint its own representatives as the election deadline approaches.
SPLM officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
The warnings come amid growing concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, with opposition voices and civil society groups repeatedly highlighting unilateral decisions by the ruling party as undermining the 2018 peace agreement and risking renewed instability.