UN calls for consensus among parties on upcoming elections

By Awan Achiek

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday warned  parties within the 2018 revitalized peace agreement to refrain from unilateral actions that undermine the people’s demand for elections next year.

Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS said the political leaders should come up with a clear roadmap for the December 2024 elections.

“Therefore, it is imperative for the parties to agree on a code of conduct around free, fair and transparent competition. The UNMISS caution against the temptation towards unilateral action that undermines the trust needed among all stakeholders,” Haysom said during press conference in Juba.

 He also called on the transitional unity government to open up political and civic space to create a conducive environment ahead of the 2024 elections.

“The processes are dependent on an open political and civic space for all. In fact, this is the difference between a nation-building moment or catastrophe,” Haysom said.

“This is a whole society effort, which requires the mutually reinforcing participation of political parties, civil society, faith-based group leaders, security institutions and the transitional leadership,” he added.

Haysom also called conducive atmosphere to enable political parties to register and campaign without intimidation or fear.

“South Sudan needs active participation of civil society so that they can support civil education and function as monitors and observers of credible processes. The media must be able to report freely, accurately and in balance without censorship and threats,” he disclosed.