NDM Rejects Elections without conducive environment, Calls for Inclusive Dialogue

By Ginaba Lino

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) has declared that South Sudan is not ready to hold free, fair, credible, and peaceful general elections, arguing that critical provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement remain unimplemented.

Speaking during a press briefing in Juba on Thursday, NDM Secretary-General Bol Joseph Agau, reading a statement on behalf of the party, said the National Executive Committee had resolved that the current political and security environment does not support credible elections.

“The National Democratic Movement therefore maintains that it is not possible to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful elections under the current circumstances. There is no political consensus among the parties to the agreement. Insecurity remains widespread and the institutions responsible for administering elections are inadequately prepared.”

Agau said the 2018 Revitalized Agreement was intended to deliver lasting peace and democratic governance through reforms before elections, but noted that after eight years, the agreement’s key objectives have not been achieved.

The Party argued that elections were designed as the final stage of the peace process, following security sector reforms, constitution-making, judicial reforms, and the creation of an enabling political environment.

The NDM also rejected another extension of the transitional period under the current government, describing the arrangement as ineffective and unsustainable.

Instead, the party called for an inclusive national dialogue involving all political actors, non-signatory groups, civil society, faith-based institutions, women, and youth to agree on a new political roadmap.

“The NDM therefore proposes an alternative path forward. It calls for an inclusive national dialogue that excludes no one. Its sole objective should be to build a broad national consensus on a new political arrangement that would replace the Revitalized Agreement.”

The party warned that if elections proceed without addressing the outstanding challenges, it will consult like-minded political parties to determine a joint course of action, while reaffirming its commitment to pursuing peaceful and democratic means to achieve lasting peace and national stability.