Understanding the Key Contributing Factors of Political Predominance and Political Parties' Decision-Making in South Sudan

This paper examines the key factors contributing to political dominance in post-conflict South Sudan, focusing on the decision-making processes within political parties. South Sudan’s political landscape has been shaped by liberation-era legacies, ethnic allegiances, and weak institutional structures, resulting in a fragile governance environment. The study identifies elite bargaining, patronage networks, institutional manipulation, and the dominance of the security sector as core elements reinforcing the political supremacy of ruling elites, particularly the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Drawing parallels from other African contexts—such as Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF and Ethiopia’s former EPRDF—the paper illustrates how liberation movements often consolidate power through similar mechanisms, including the co-optation of opposition and control over state resources. Literature reviewed indicates that factors such as resource monopolization, external peace negotiations, and fragmented opposition have further entrenched ruling party dominance in South Sudan. To advance democratic governance, the paper recommends strengthening independent electoral institutions, promoting inclusive political participation, reforming the security sector, and enhancing transparency in resource distribution. The paper is structured into four main sections: an introduction, background on South Sudan’s political setting, analysis, and concluding recommendations for policy reform.