President Salva Kiir of South Sudan warned lawmakers not to cling to power and urged them to pass the necessary laws to pave the way for elections. The country was originally scheduled to hold elections before February 2023, but last August, the timetable was pushed back to December 2024. This comes as Vice President Riek Machar proposed an extension of the transitional government’s term to allow for adequate preparation for the elections. Kiir emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to choose their leaders and cautioned against delaying the electoral process.
South Sudan is currently facing an economic crisis, partly due to a decline in oil exports after Sudan declared force majeure on oil shipments passing through the country. Civil servants and security forces have not been paid for the last six months, adding to the challenges faced by the nation. The government is working to establish a permanent constitution, an electoral commission, and a unified police force that would provide security. The country is also dealing with ongoing communal violence, prompting the United Nations to extend its peacekeeping mission and call for an end to the violence.
Despite the challenges, South Sudan remains committed to holding elections in December as scheduled. Lawmakers have vowed to redouble their efforts to ensure that all the prerequisites for elections are met. This includes putting in place the necessary infrastructure and security measures to ensure a peaceful and free electoral process. The government’s focus is on creating a conducive environment for citizens to participate in the democratic process and choose their leaders without any hindrance.
The situation in South Sudan is further complicated by continued communal violence in various parts of the country. The United Nations has urged the government to make swift progress in addressing these issues and ensuring that the delayed elections can be held peacefully. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in South Sudan and is calling for urgent action to prevent any further escalation of violence. The government’s response to these challenges will be critical in determining the success of the upcoming elections and the overall stability of the nation.
As South Sudan grapples with economic instability, political uncertainties, and ongoing violence, the need for strong leadership and institutional reforms becomes more apparent. The government’s ability to address these challenges and create a conducive environment for democratic processes will be essential for the country’s future stability and development. The upcoming elections represent a crucial opportunity for the people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of their nation. It is important for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process that reflects the will of the people and contributes to the country’s long-term peace and prosperity.
