Juba, February 13, 2015 (SSNA) — South Sudanese government has on Friday postponed elections originally set by South Sudan’s National Elections Commission to take place on the 30th of June this year.
South Sudan’s information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, said council of ministers has taken unilateral action by postponing elections and extending president’s term to two years. The resolution also applies to all elected positions.
"We have passed a resolution extending the tenure of the president and the parliament, including all elected positions," Makuei told AFP news agency.
Makuei argues that the extension will give his government enough time to negotiate with rebels without pressure.
South Sudan’s parliament is expected to vote on the cabinet’s resolution.
The decision to delay elections is welcomed by the rival Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO); however, the SPLM-IO said Kiir’s government does not have any mandate to lengthen its own term.