Elections can no longer be postponed due to their popularity within the population

South Sudan leaders are caught between a hard place and a rock when it comes to holding elections.

The term of the transitional unity government has been extended on at least two occasions by the political class, but this time around the pressure to hold elections is heavy.

The news that the National Election Commission (NEC) will rely on the 2008 population census to conduct the upcoming national elections, shows that no matter what lies ahead the country is heading for elections.

The recently released population survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics estimated the population at 12.4 million people. This population survey could also be relied upon when it comes to demarcating geographical constituencies.

With the help of UN agencies such as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, the country could be prepared somehow for elections.

Elections are critical when it comes to legitimizing the mandate of the political elite.

South Sudan needs elections more than ever because it’s the correct path to transition the country from conflict toward sustainable peace and stability.