South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections or SSuNDE said considering insecurity level in some states and great number of displaced citizens in the country, it is inappropriate to conduct elections in 2015 as initially planned and provided for in the Transitional Constitution.
In a statement CRN obtained, the Network believes South Sudan ongoing conflict does not provide a favourable environment for the conduct of credible, free and fair elections.
It added that the environment does not justify the legitimacy of the electoral processes as the Upper Nile region is totally insecure with electorates in IDPs’ camps and others in refuge in neighbouring countries.
The Network said continuous inter-communal revenge attacks and killings in Lakes State also pose a serious challenge to any electoral activities.
It reminds all stakeholders that the Transitional Constitution provides for a national population census to be carried out before National Elections and that conducting elections without census would be unconstitutional.
It also recommended updating elections calendar to reflect South Sudan’ real situation for realistic timing of the future electoral processes and that all South Sudanese stakeholders should work towards achieving peace as a priority as opposed to elections.
The Network recognizes difficulties in peace negotiations process but still hopes that the warring parties would recognize the suffering of citizens by showing leadership and responsibility to compromise their stances.
SSuNDE comprising of 75 non-partisan civil society organizations recommended that the National Elections Commission stops its preparations for 2015 elections until South Sudan attains peace.