![South Sudan activist Edmund Yakani. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Djfq2jGW0AAJpdg.png?resize=799%2C410&ssl=1)
In a statement, CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani said open political and civic space is a key pre-condition for winning the public trust and confidence on the political transitional process, including the looming national general elections scheduled for December 2024.
“Attempt to restrict the freedom of expression, association, movement and assembly in the facing of the looming elections will strongly contribute in increasing public and political parties mistrust and lack of confidence on the forthcoming national general elections,” Yakani said.
“Among critical pre-conditions for gaining public, regional and international communities trust and confidence on the elections to be credible, free and fair is the opening of the political and civic space for all without any form of discrimination,” Yakani added.
The prominent activist urged the presidency to dedicate time for proper meetings for making decisions in order to reach political consensus on what he said constitute good enough conditions for the credible, free and fair elections in December 2024.
“H.E. President in Wau SPLM-rally confirmed Elections will take place as scheduled but the required pre-conditions for the conduct of the elections are not yet met and it is below expectation per today. Genuine political commitment is required from the presidency,” Yakani said.
CEPO also urged the IGAD, African Union and United Nation to conduct joint field elections assessment mission for determining proper engagement on pre-election preparatory stages. This field elections assessment mission should be before the month of September, 2024.
