The polls, now scheduled for December 2024, will be the first in the world’s newest country, which seceded from Sudan 12 years ago.

A brutal civil war and stuttering peace process have long delayed them.

But Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission, told reporters in the capital, Juba, that analysts believed the country had not yet established the necessary infrastructure.

Quote Message: 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:

Quote Message: 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.”