UN says time is elapsing to host elections in South Sudan
There is limited time to organise credible elections in South Sudan, international delegates at a three-day national forum said.
Polls were delayed for a third year in a row last year, by the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, Africa News reported on February 26th.
This year’s forum brought together major figures in the country’s political, security and civil society departments and was co-hosted by the United Nations Missions in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the African Union.
Joram Biswaro, head of the African Union Mission in South Sudan said a time for “business as usual” has elapsed.
“While we are aware of these essential requirements the willingness to practice these values seem to be absent, but it is important to note that we cannot continue doing the same things and expect different results. Hence a change must take place,” he said.
“There are many who argue that the failure up to now can be attributed to the failure of the international community to provide funds and resources for the elections,” said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS.
“I have to make it absolutely clear there is not one penny that is coming for these elections if the South Sudanese don’t indicate the political will to implement this electoral programme,” he said.
Haysom added that if the forum was unable to make meaningful progress it would deeply be disheartening to the South Sudanese people “and with each sense of disappointment comes a loss of confidence in the political future.”
Haysom also said: “So, people will look very closely at the steps which the South Sudanese are taking to demonstrate the political will and the desire to exit the transition that is so behind schedule.”
Concluding transitional security arrangements, progressing a lasting constitution and preparations for an election were key focuses of the forum.
The Chair of the National Transitional Committee, Kuol Manyang Juuk, said elections will be held at the conclusion of the current transitional period regardless of the challenges.
Africanews
