South Sudan president fires electoral head months before election

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has announced the head of the electoral body was removed from the position just three months before the country’s first election. The announcement Tuesday night said Abednego Akok Kacuol was replaced by Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, who had served as the electoral commission’s secretary general. No reason was given for Akok’s removal. South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections since independence in 2011, citing delays in implementing the peace deal.

Analysts say the changes in the electoral body could impact the Dec. 22 elections.

Read the original report at Apnews.