Verified Facts
South Sudan is governed as a presidential republic with a system of government that is still evolving after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
Quick Facts
Political System
The government of South Sudan is designed to have a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. However, in practice, the executive branch has significant influence over the other branches. The country has a unitary system of government, with most power concentrated in the national government. The president serves as both the head of state and head of government, and is directly elected by the people. The National Legislative Assembly is the country's parliament, and is composed of two chambers: the National Assembly and the Council of States.
The political system in South Sudan is still developing, and the country has faced significant challenges in its transition from a liberation movement to a democratic government. The country's interim constitution, which was adopted in 2011, provides for a system of government that is based on the principles of democracy, federalism, and human rights. However, the implementation of these principles has been slow, and the country has faced numerous challenges, including conflict, corruption, and poverty.
The government of South Sudan has also faced challenges in its relations with the international community, particularly with regard to human rights and governance. The country has been subject to sanctions and condemnation from the international community, particularly with regard to its treatment of civilians and its management of natural resources. Despite these challenges, the government of South Sudan has made efforts to reform its institutions and to improve its relations with the international community.
Government Structure
| Branch | Institution | Head/Leader | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive | Office of the President | President Salva Kiir Mayardit | Head of state and government |
| Legislative | National Legislative Assembly | Speaker of the National Assembly | Lawmaking body |
| Judicial | Supreme Court | Chief Justice | Highest court in the land |
Major Political Parties
| Party | Position | Leader | Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) | Center-left | President Salva Kiir Mayardit | 160 | Dominant party in the country |
| Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) | Center-left | Riek Machar | 40 | Main opposition party |
| Democratic Change Party (DCP) | Center | Lam Akol | 5 | Minor opposition party |
| South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) | Center-right | Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro | 10 | Coalition of opposition parties |
| United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF) | Center-left | 5 | Minor opposition party |
Elections
- The electoral system in South Sudan is based on a mixed system, with some seats allocated by proportional representation and others by first-past-the-post.
- Elections are held every five years, with the most recent election taking place in 2018.
- The last election was marred by violence and irregularities, with many opposition parties boycotting the process.
- The next election is scheduled to take place in 2023, although it is unclear whether it will be held on time due to ongoing conflict and instability.
Political Stability & Challenges
- The current political climate in South Sudan is tense, with ongoing conflict between the government and opposition forces.
- Key issues facing the country include poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses.
- The country faces significant regional dynamics, including tensions with neighboring countries such as Sudan and Ethiopia.
- The government of South Sudan has been ranked as one of the most corrupt in the world, according to Transparency International.
- The country has also been ranked as one of the least peaceful in the world, according to the Global Peace Index.
Foreign Relations
- South Sudan is a member of the United Nations and the African Union, and has diplomatic relations with many countries around the world.
- The country has close relations with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway, which have provided significant humanitarian aid and development assistance.
- South Sudan has also joined regional organizations such as the East African Community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
- The country has tensions with neighboring countries such as Sudan, with which it has a disputed border and competing claims to oil resources.
- The government of South Sudan has also engaged with international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which have provided technical assistance and financial support to the country.