Political crises threaten South Sudan elections
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eye Radio
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission of South Sudan’s peace agreement warns that elections scheduled for 22 December risk lacking credibility because of political disagreements and unfinished security reforms. It calls for dialogue including all signatories and relevant groups, according to Eye Radio.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission of South Sudan’s peace agreement (RJMEC) has warned that elections scheduled for 22 December risk losing credibility because of political disputes and unfinished security reforms. Two months before the vote, the commission believes that several commitments under the Revitalised Peace Agreement remain pending.
RJMEC blamed disagreements between parties over the legal and political framework for the vote, as well as the government’s decision to amend the agreement without following its own procedures. The proposed amendments reportedly did not receive the approval of two-thirds of voting members, as required by Article 8.4 of the agreement.
Dialogue between parties launched in September also remains uncertain. Groups linked to detained or exiled SPLM/A-IO officials did not take part. The commission called for inclusive discussions bringing together all signatories to the peace agreement and groups that did not sign it.
Continued armed clashes, intercommunal violence and unfinished security arrangements could disrupt voter registration, the campaign and the protection of candidates and voters. RJMEC also stressed that no progress had been recorded during the period under review in drafting the permanent Constitution.
The warning comes as 84 people were killed in two attacks in Tonj North, according to a toll published on 29 October, after South Sudanese churches called for civilians to be protected on 28 October. The commission believes that increased political dialogue and regional engagement could still help build a consensus before the end of the transition.
