South Sudan president fires head of electoral body months before country’s first election

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir dismissed Abednego Akok Kacuol, the head of the nation's electoral body, during a Tuesday night announcement. The removal occurred just three months ahead of what is scheduled to be the East African country's first-ever election.

The abrupt leadership change at the electoral commission introduces significant uncertainty into the political landscape as South Sudan prepares for the landmark electoral process.