FVP Machar’s candidacy is good for competitive election

Rumors have been swirling around the country that First Vice President Riek Machar will not run in the upcoming presidential elections. It has been alleged that Machar and President Salva Kiir have been discussing being running mates.

What is clear is that President Kiir will be on the ballot if the elections take place in December 2024 and Machar would be his running mate, according to the whispers in the corridors of power.

However, this has not been substantiated and with Machar coming out lately and declaring his intention to contest, we could be heading for competitive election.

The first task for Riek Machar is to campaign for a level-playing field which some skeptics say is absent due to lack of political will.

In addition, Machar should push for the electoral institutions to be fully independent and also the speedy implementation of the pending tasks within the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. South Sudan needs favorable conditions for elections to be held because of the fragility of the country