South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The visiting Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andreas Motzeldt Kravik on Monday called on political leaders to open up vibrant political and civic space for the conduct of free and fair elections in December.
“We spoke about the importance of free and fair elections procedures and providing for civic space, and providing for opportunities for civil society and individuals to engage without any restrictions and full compliance with international standards,” Motzeldt said in a statement issued in Juba.
Mozeldt met with Ramadan M. Abdallah Goc, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“We spoke about the elections that will be held in December and we spoke about the importance of those elections being held according to international standards and according to human rights principles,” he said.
“We spoke about various conditions and requirements that have been put forward by the UN, AU and IGAD and how they need to be compliant to showcase to international that the government is committed to holding free and fair elections,” Mozeldt added.
For his part, Goc briefed the delegation on the government’s preparation for the general election.
“They said they are ready to cooperate with us and do more training for our police and they are ready also to help to participate in general elections and our youth,” Goc said.
He asked the Norwegian government for technical assistance in conducting the polls.
“We are happy that they have shown their commitment to work with us and to provide the assistance that is required from them.”
