S. Sudan’s Kiir demands elections to restore legitimacy
January 13, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir on Tuesday warned against attempts to delay the democratic process of restoring his legitimacy, saying democracy should not be held hostage.
“The cabinet had already passed the budget of the elections commission to organise themselves. I have not yet received report of actions of plan from them but it is important that citizens are informed to prepare,” said Kiir, whose term as president expires in July.
He said an election was the only way to change the government and that his administration would do its best to create an atmosphere for all to participate in the upcoming polls, instead of having it postponed.
“If there are people wanting to participate in the elections, they are welcomed but we will not accept the democracy to be held hostage because others are not ready”, stressed the president.
The South Sudan leader vowed not to accept political tactics and attempts to block his government from the poll that could see it lose legitimacy.
“Those of Riek [Machar] and their friends are trying to hold the country back from going for elections so that they keep the government in hang, so that when the term of this government comes to an end in July, they come out and say you have no legitimacy, which I don’t think our people will accept”, he observed.
The president further said his government would continue to pursue peace with the opposition and other stakeholders to restore order.
“The simple reason for going elections is to avoid power vacuum and losing legitimacy. If the people decide to change the government through elections, we will accept because that will be will of the people and that is the democracy people are talking about”, he stressed.
The national electoral commission has set 30 June, 2015 as the date for elections.
(ST)