
A group of five lawyers in South Sudan has filed a legal challenge against the government’s decision to extend the transitional period and postpone elections.
The lawyers, led by Deng John Deng, argued that the decision is both unconstitutional and illegal.
The petition, submitted to the constitutional court on Monday, seeks to nullify the extension and order the government to conduct elections within the originally agreed timeframe.
The court is scheduled to review the case on Wednesday.
The government’s decision to delay the elections by two years was announced on September 13.
They cited recommendations from election-related institutions and the security sector, stating that additional time is needed to complete critical peace agreements.
The lawyers, however, contend that the extension violates the country’s interim constitution and undermines the democratic process.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for South Sudan’s political future.