Election tensions threaten South Sudan's stability

Significance

However, in a context of low trust and weak institutions, the move towards elections increases the risk of violence before, during and after the polls.

Impacts

• Election costs (estimated at USD256mn) have not yet been budgeted for and would have a significant impact on strained national finances.
• Election preparations will shine a spotlight on the slow progress in facilitating returns of displaced people, who may be disenfranchised.
• Having pushed for progress towards elections for years, donors now feel pressure to support them but fear they could be destabilising.