The red flag raises fresh concerns over the December 22 vote.
In its latest quarterly report, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission says that although electoral preparations have continued, fundamental prerequisites for a credible election have yet to be met.
With less than six months to the scheduled general election, RJMEC says various conditions provided under the 2028 peace agreement are missing.
This puts to question the credibility of the first general election under independent South Sudan.
The stability of South Sudan or lack of it has a ripple affect on Kenya in terms of trade, security and refugees.
Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi says a peaceful and stable SouthSudan is in Kenya's strategic interest.
"It strengthens regional security, expands trade, attracts investment and creates greater opportunities for our people," he said on July 31 when he met his South Sudanese counterpart James Morgan.
The report notes that the National Elections Commission has officially declared December 22, 2026, as polling day, secured additional government funding and begun civic and voter education activities.
The Political Parties Council has also completed the registration of 39 political parties, signalling continued technical preparations for the polls.
However, RJMEC warns that these administrative steps are being undertaken against a backdrop of unresolved political disputes, fragile security, a worsening humanitarian crisis and outstanding legal reforms that continue to threaten the integrity of the electoral process.
"Critical prerequisites for credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections remain outstanding," the commission says.
The commission led by Amb. Maj. Gen (Rtd) George Owinow cites unresolved legal questions, incomplete transitional security arrangements and uncertainty over political inclusivity.
RJMEC also raises concerns over continued displacement of citizens, restrictions on civic and political space and inadequate funding for election preparations.
The monitoring body says the implementation of the 2018 revitalised peace deal has slowed considerably amid a prolonged political and security impasse, which has weakened trust among the parties.
It has also undermined agreed power-sharing arrangements, it says.
One of the key concerns is the government's handling of proposed amendments to the peace agreement.
RJMEC says the Transitional Government submitted amendments directly to Parliament without obtaining the commission's consent as required under Article 8.4 of the agreement.
The move, it says, flouted due process and heightened political tensions.
Although two contentious amendments were later withdrawn, the commission says the process undermined confidence in the peace framework.
Political tensions have also intensified following the continued detention of First Vice President Riek Machar and the dismissal of opposition lawmakers from Parliament.
These developments, RJMEC says, have weakened inclusive governance and consensus-based decision-making envisioned under the peace accord.
The report further raises concerns over the security environment.
Fighting has continued in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity and Equatoria states during the reporting period.
RJMEC says implementation of the permanent ceasefire remains inconsistent, while key security institutions remain non-operational.
The unification of forces, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme, and broader security sector reforms have also stalled.
According to the commission, these security gaps pose a direct risk to the conduct of peaceful elections and the participation of voters in conflict-affected areas.
The humanitarian situation presents another major challenge.
The report says more than 7.8 million people are projected to face crisis-level or worse food insecurity, while over 2.5 million remain internally displaced.
Since conflict erupted in neighbouring Sudan in April 2023, more than 1.3 million refugees, returnees and asylum seekers have crossed into South Sudan, placing additional pressure on already stretched humanitarian resources.
RJMEC warns that millions of displaced people could struggle to participate in the elections because of insecurity, lack of documentation and limited access to essential services.
It calls for electoral planning that accommodates internally displaced persons, refugees and returnees to safeguard the inclusivity of the vote.
