South Sudan vote: UN warns political transition must hold beyond polling day

South Sudan is just six weeks away from its first national vote since independence, but the United Nations is now warning that the real test will come after polling day. UNMISS Chief Anita Kiki Beho told the Security Council the country's political transition must remain anchored in the 2018 peace agreement. The elections are scheduled for 22nd December. Ultimately, the challenge facing South Sudan is not simply whether elections can be held. On December 22nd or not, it is whether the transition can preserve peace, strengthen political confidence, and deliver on the commitment made to the people of South Sudan. The true measure of success is simple. Whether South Sudanese citizens are safer tomorrow than they are today. Tensions have risen since President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government in September and appointed a caretaker administration. Opposition groups say the move violates the power sharing deal. There are also concerns about whether the government can afford the vote.