Delays in implementing key tasks threaten 2024 elections: RJMEC
August 7, 2024 (JUBA) – Delays in implementing key tasks could jeopardize the upcoming elections, the chairperson of peace monitoring body in South Sudan (RJEMC), Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said on Tuesday.
Speaking during the presentation of the quarterly report of RJMEC, Gituai said swift progress is needed on crucial issues such as drafting a permanent constitution, refining the electoral process, and actualizing the unification of forces.
The commission warned that without timely action on these fronts, the elections could face significant obstacles.
“In RJMEC’s assessment, there has been insufficient progress made in implementing the peace agreement in the period that it was reported,” said Gituai, adding “Key tasks such as the permanent constitution-making and the unification of the forces remain largely at the same stage as they were at the end of the last period.”
The chairperson of RJMEC called on the parties to the agreement to dialogue on the way forward for holding elections.
He specifically called on the parities to embrace the Tumaini initiative for attaining comprehensive peace in the country.
“To the parties to the agreement and relevant stakeholders, engage in dialogue in the spirit of collegiality on the best way forward on the holding of election and provide a detailed plan to the people of South Sudan on the implementation of the roadmap and embrace the Tumaini Initiative as a means of bringing peace,” Gituai stressed.
The chairperson, however, expressed concerns over the limited budget affecting the implementation of key tasks in the September 2018 peace agreement.
“With elections scheduled for December 2024, it is hoped that the dialogue by the parties will bring hope and clarity. It is important that some progress has been made in establishing the key institutions charged with the constitution-making and conduct of elections,” he said, adding “A lot remains to be done to equip them to carry their mandate fully. Similarly, the resources available to these institutions fall short of the proposed budget, hindering their ability to complete the required tasks.”
Observers warn that the situation remains precarious, with many obstacles to overcome before South Sudan can hold its first post independence elections.
(ST)