South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network on Thursday urged the transitional government of national unity to create conducive environment for the upcoming 2024 general election.
“We want the transitional period to end, we do not want a system of governance where we have leaders being appointed in this country, and people of South Sudan deserve the right to elect their own leaders. It is from their election that they will be able to account to their people,” said Omara Joseph Wani, the protection officer for South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network during the dialogue to commemorate International Democracy Day in Juba.
Wani revealed that there is need for the government to conduct activities that encourage democracy in the country.
“We want the people of South Sudan to elect their leaders and that is an epitome of democracy, South Sudan will always have a better future when we all embrace democratic values in our system of governance,” he added.
David John Kumuri, the Director of Public Relations at the National Security Services said the NSS is tasked with providing security and protection to all people including human rights defenders.
“The security organs precisely the National Security Services are well aware of democracy in its broader context, and the importance of the looming elections scheduled for December 2024. The National Security Services was founded on the basis of democracy enshrined in the national constitution 2015 as amended,” said Kumuri.
Abednego Akok Kacuol, the Chairperson for the National Election Commission said the country is at crossroads with regard to the conduct of the 2024 elections, adding that compromise is needed from the parties’ signatory to the revitalized peace agreement to agree on the election roadmap.
“We are guided by the National Election Act, which says that when it remain six months, the election date must be fixed which is done, we are now at the crossroads, a decision must be taken,” said Kacuol.
He disclosed that elections must be conducted under the permanent constitution under the revitalized peace agreement, which has been completed.
Kacuol urged the parties to reach compromise on the pending issues within the peace agreement so that elections are held at an agreed date.
Lorna Merkaje, the Secretary General for South Sudan Democratic Engagement, Monitoring and Observation Program, said the country needs to end the current transitional period with elections.
“We take elections so dear, we want to see the arm of the government that represents our voices indeed representing people, we want the legislature to stand on its own, and we want a legislature that is not influenced,” said Merekaje.
