Parties’ alerts to make sufficient progress on election preparedness

The Chairperson of Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Rt. Gen. Charles Tai Gutuai has raised concerns that a lack of sufficient progress and clarity on election preparedness, constitution-making, or unification of forces will affect the successful election in South Sudan next year.

This came during the monthly plenary forum that brought together the representatives from the Unity government Civil Society and diplomatic missions who were signatories to the revitalization agreement.

Ambassador Charles Tai acknowledged the progress made by the government about legislative bills passed including the National Election Act 2012 amendment which was signed into law by the president.

The Chair of the RJMEC Gutuai commended the Unity government for organizing a national economic conference that will provide direction for the country toward achieving a diversified, inclusive stable, and sustainable economy.

He recommends a need to expedite the reconstitution of the political parties Council, the National Election Commission, and the National Constitution Review Commission.

JMEC warned that South Sudan could not conduct the election without clear preparation in place to pave the way for a peace election in 2024 as stated in the roadmap.

The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Nicolas Haysom says there has been no progress on the constitution-making process since last the meeting convened.

He said according to the roadmap, the constitution-making process is envisaged to conclude in July 2024 – six months ahead of elections in December 2024.

Haysom encouraged the parties to reach an agreement on the way forward. He says a conducive political and security environment, and level playing for all political parties as well as civic and political space are critical before, during, and after elections.

“I encourage the Joint Task Force for the Implementation of the Constitution-Making and Electoral Processes to resume its monthly meetings and address issues related to electoral and constitution-making processes. During the last meeting on 27 July, the AU, IGAD, and UNMISS presented to the Joint Task Force a list of 10 priority issues for urgent consideration and agreement,” he said.

The National Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro expressed the government’s commitment to expedite the key remaining provision in the agreement.

He says the South Sudan is working on economic reform to ensure there is available funds for the peace implementation

The RJMEC plenary meeting is a monthly forum to evaluate progress made on the implementation of the Revitalized agreement.