JUBA – With 10 months left ahead of South Sudan elections, there is no consensus among the parties, while key pending tasks remain incomplete, RJMEC has said.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission on Tuesday February 27 told the 1202nd meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council that the Horn of Africa country is behind schedule in its timelines ahead of the polls.
In his statement delivered virtually, RJMEC Chairman Amb Maj (Rtd) Charles Gituai said it is concerning that much work remains to be done to complete the Agreement requirements for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
PENDING TASKS
Amb. Gituai said pending tasks include funding and operationalisation of the elections-related institutions responsible for preparation and conduct of elections and the making of the permanent constitution, the provisions of which will guide the conduct of elections.
Others are judicial reforms to enhance the capacity and independence of judicial institutions, completion of Phase I and II unification of forces and the expansion of political and civic space to enhance public participation in constitution and election processes.
“This five-year period of the Agreement marks the longest period of relative peace, inclusivity and stability since independence in 2011. The gains made in this period are significant, considering the previous security situation in the country. It is therefore important to consolidate and protect these achievements,” Amb. Gituai noted.
NO CONSENSUS
The RJMEC Chairman regretted that in his recent engagement with the =arties to the Agreement, it is evident there is no consensus among them on the elections.
“Given the scale of the tasks ahead, therefore, there is need for the parties to dialogue, and demonstrate political will, compromise, consensus, unity of purpose and agree on the way forward,” he said.
In his recommendations, the envoy called on the AUPSC to support the government to deliver credible elections within the framework of the agreement, and encourage the parties to dialogue in order to build the consensus and compromise as necessary to hold free, fair and credible elections.
