South Sudanese parties have until the first quarter of 2024 to reach agreement on crucial decisions if they wish to hold free, fair and credible elections on schedule. This was stated by the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) last Thursday.
“Looking ahead, it would be impossible to envisage free, fair and credible elections in December 2024 unless all South Sudanese parties, leaders and stakeholders take charge and succeed in agreement on a crucial set of decisions by the first quarter of 2024.”
While Haysom welcomed the reconstitution of key electoral bodies such as the National Electoral Commission, he stressed that they must be quickly resourced and operationalized to fulfill their mandates.
“Let me emphasize that elections are not a one-day event, but a process that includes thoughtful and deliberate decisions before, during and after the elections. All these processes must have the full support and buy-in of the South Sudanese, particularly in the case of a country emerging from divisive conflict.”
South Sudan became independent in 2011. After a peace deal in 2018 that ended a civil war, elections were due to be held in February this year. However, the national unity government of Salva Kiir and Riek Machar did not respect the main clauses of the agreement.
At the press conference, SRSN Haysom also expressed concern over reports of recent violence in Abyei Administrative Area and Warrap State, urging the government to resort to methods of peaceful dispute resolution .
UNMISS continues to protect civilians and support state authorities, Haysom said, but he added that transitional security arrangements must be finalized. In conclusion, he reiterated that South Sudan must complete its long-awaited democratic transition.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan also addressed the nation’s humanitarian emergency, which is exacerbated by the influx of returnees and refugees fleeing conflicts in neighboring Sudan, reduced funding, climate change and the continued risks for humanitarian workers.