CEPO calls for swift swearing-in of electoral bodies ahead of governors’ forum

JUBA – The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has called on state governors and chief administrators to exert pressure on the country’s peace presidency to expedite the swearing-in of the electoral commissions.

On November 3, President Salva Kiir issued a series of republican decrees reconstituting key transitional institutions essential for conducting the country’s long-awaited general elections scheduled for December next year.

These institutions include the National Elections Commission (NEC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and the Political Parties Council (PPC).

However, over three weeks have passed without the officials of these institutions being sworn in.

CEPO expressed concern in a statement signed by its executive director Edmund Yakani today, emphasizing that the lingering delays in implementing crucial tasks outlined in the revitalized peace agreement (R-ARCSS) signal a potential extension of the transitional period.

“This echoes a governance approach characterized by oppression, marginalization, and intimidation, which contradicts the very principles South Sudan fought for over four decades and culminated in its independence from Sudan in July 2011,” the statement reads.

“Regrettably, the current political leadership appears to have adopted similar oppressive tendencies,” the statement further added.

CEPO highlighted that “it is evident across South Sudan that citizens are increasingly unwilling to endure another extension of this transitional phase.”

The civil society watchdog further stated that it “strongly urges President Salva Kiir to direct the 7th State Governors and Chief Administrators Forum to generate practical, concrete, and implementable resolutions and recommendations.”

The organization underscored the urgent need to address the delayed implementation of the R-ARCSS and restore public trust in the political leadership.