“7. In terms of preparations for the conduct of elections as scheduled, since our last meeting, I am informed that the National Elections Commission (NEC) has conducted an induction of its newly reconstituted States High Committees. However, some concerns were raised regarding the process by which the list of the members of the High Committees was derived, and a lack of adherence to the 35% minimum threshold of women’s representation. 8. According to the R-ARCSS, the NEC was expected to complete and publish the voter register within six months prior to the holding of elections, a deadline that has already passed. I await an update from the Chair of the NEC. 9. I would like to underscore the importance of proper preparations and funding of the Political Parties Council (PPC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC), so that they can discharge their mandates” (…) “In conclusion, with barely five months left before elections as scheduled in the Roadmap, the lack of adequate elections preparedness and the lack of progress in the unification of forces is causing anxiety among the population of South Sudan, which is already under pressure from the current difficult economic situation. It is important, therefore, that the Principals of the Parties to the Agreement meet, consider the report of the High Level Standing Committee, and provide clarity on the way forward” (R-JMEC – ‘STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. MAJ GEN (rtd) CHARLES TAI GITUAI CBS INTERIM CHAIRPERSON – RJMEC TO THE 37TH RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST 2024 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN’ 08.08.2024).
The latest statement from the Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai yesterday is coming with quotes that speaks volume of the lack of implementation and preparation for the scheduled elections on the 22nd December 2024. This is the date set for the first elections since independence.
These elections seems like a charade and we should rather see a prolonged transitional period. Since the current TNLA and R-TGoNU aren’t able to facilitate and secure the organizational tools to run a legitimate election. The current stakeholders and the ones in office seems like recklessly avoiding to fulfil the stipulations in the R-ARCSS. Which also is parts of the agreement to ensure a peaceful and legitimate election.
At this moment, the leaders of Juba and in South Sudan isn’t willing or isn’t considering it as a vital thing to do. Neither is there any will or rush to fix these things either. They are without words saying the elections won’t happen and there will be an extension of the transitional period.
The transitional period has to be extended and the ones in J-1 and elsewhere is given more time to fix the lacking implementation. There is soon no excuses and no reasons to continue it. It is more a charade and a way of keeping the current leaders in office. They came to power with guns and they aren’t willing to risk it with the ballot. Therefore, it is easier to not work or try to enforce the R-ARCSS. Than actually risk losing the office and losing power, which you currently has as an achievement with accordance to the same agreement.
That’s how it is looking from afar. That the leaders are willing to continue to stay in power and in office without an official mandate. Only prolong the agony and the transitional period, indefinitely. Because, that is easier than building a functional state or even institutionalize as such. If the state is properly institutionalized, than the President cannot decree his rule or appoint without merit people. That will takeaway power and instruments, which has given J-1 an advantage over everyone else.
This is why we know Kiir won’t risk holding an election, as long as he fears losing all of that. He has too cling on to power and his the sort of leader that will die in office. Peace.
MinBane 