S. Sudan’s election timetable require global support: Haysom
June 30, 2022 (JUBA) – Setting a timetable for South Sudan’s general elections requires international support, a top United Nations official said.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) made the remarks while speaking to reporters in the capital, Juba Thursday.
“The international community, which will be required to support the elections, needs to know when the elections are likely to be held so that we can align and prioritize our support,” he explained.
The 2015 revitalized 2018 peace deal stipulates the term and legitimacy of the transitional government expire in 2023, requiring the parties to organize and conduct the general election 60 days prior to the end of the current transitional period.
The outcome of the elections is aspired to establish democratically elected institutions and pave way for reforms enshrined in the peace agreement. Despite the stipulations, the parties to the conflict and peace agreement are stalled on implementing key provisions despite remaining less than nine months to the end of the transitional period.
Haysom said it was difficult for anybody to help when there is no timetable to guide the process and commitment from the international community.
“But if we don’t have a date then nobody will really commit to supporting elections and South Sudanese will not get into the frame of mind which is necessary for the elections to be held,” he remarked.
The top UN official assured the country of the UN’s support to ensure elections take place in a country that has experienced years of civil wars.
Key provisions pending implementation and prerequisite to elections as stipulated in the agreement include drafting and completing making a permanent constitution and enacting a new National Elections Commission to help organizes the elections. The agreement also obliged the revision of the Political Parties Act of 2012 to be reviewed and approved by the parliament.
The Act is a key requirement for the registration of the political organizations interested to operate and participating in a free and democratic and political activity in the country.
Haysom, however, expressed optimism that elections can still be done if the government creates a space for a robust and competitive political process.
“It is particularly our hope that the parties will announce a formal elections timetable. It is not only technical and logistical planning that is necessary for elections to take place. What is also required is a free and open political environment,” stressed the UN official.
He added, “This means creating a space for a robust and competitive political process to take place, one that fosters nation-building not only division. The impact of delay however is manifest in the ongoing frustration across the country.”
In May, the former United States ambassador Juba, David Renz stressed the need for leaders to create a conducive environment for general elections if Washington was to continue providing any meaningful support for holding elections and improving relations between the two countries.
(ST)