Postponement of elections undermines democratic principles: Election observer

The recent postponement of the December 2024 elections does not augur well for the growth of democracy in the country, according to a prominent member of the election observer team.
Dr. Sarah Bireete, Chairperson for Global Network for Democratic Election Monitors speaks during celebration of the International Democracy Day in Juba, Tuesday, 17 September 2024 (Photo by Awan Achiek)

By Awan Achiek

The recent postponement of the December 2024 elections does not augur well for the growth of democracy in the country, according to a prominent member of the election observer team.

Dr. Sarah Bireete, Chairperson for the Global Network for Democratic Election Monitors (GNDEM) said  on Tuesday  that the decision taken by the presidency last week to extend the transitional period for another two years and delay elections denies the common citizens their right to vote leaders in a democratic process.

“This keeps the country in a permanent election mode. It’s not good for development, and it’s not good for the people,” Bireete said during event to celebrate International Democracy Day in Juba.

Bireete who also heads the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN) said that the country has previously postponed elections on four occassions since 2015, adding that this undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society.

“Elections are a foundation of every democracy, as members of the region we shall work with you through our partners to make sure that people in the youngest country in the world are able to exercise their power through elections,” she said.

The extended transition period will end in February 2026, and thereafter elections are conducted.

The presidency cited the need to complete the population census, drafting of a permanent constitution and the registration of political parties.

It said the extension would provide an opportunity to complete critical processes before the new election date of December 22, 2026.

For his part, Mulle Musau, Regional Coordinator for the East and Horn of Africa Election Observer Network urged the political leadership to set up legal framework to address election-related hurdles.

“It was our prayer that there’s a need for a framework that the people of South Sudan can be able to establish so that they can be able to meet the hurdles,” Musau said.

Dr. Moses Monday, Executive Director of Organization for Non-Violence and Development (ONAD) encouraged the citizens to embrace democracy to move the country forward.

“Let us continue to be proud that we are South Sudanese. We decided our faith in the exercise of referendum, and eventually we became a country of our own. That is an achievement, and it is a democratic achievement,” Monday said.

The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year.

The Day is put aside to reflect and review the state of democracy around the world.

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