Experts question feasibility of South Sudan’s 22 December elections
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
Two Juba academics say South Sudan’s general elections planned for 22 December are unlikely because of administrative gaps, legal uncertainty and insecurity. Political scientist Abraham Kuol Nyuon mentions a possible two- to three-month delay, reports Radio Tamazuj.
Two experts from the University of Juba doubt that South Sudan can hold the general elections scheduled for 22 December. Political scientist Abraham Kuol Nyuon said a postponement of two to three months was possible because of insufficient preparations by the National Elections Commission, reports Radio Tamazuj.
Nyuon questioned voter education and logistical organisation, particularly outside the capital. He said voter registration still had to be carried out. Legal expert Geri Raymondo shared his concerns about the state of preparations, but said registration had taken place; he also said unresolved constitutional issues, insecurity and delays in security sector reforms were jeopardising the election.
Raymondo stressed that organising elections requires compliance with the Constitution and the national electoral law, and is not limited to polling day. The two experts therefore disagree on the status of registration, but question the overall preparation of the process.
The doubts add to concerns expressed by civil society, which has deemed South Sudan’s elections premature. The election scheduled for 22 December had also been described as threatened by political crises in the country, according to an earlier article on South Sudan’s elections.
