Electoral integrity at stake: Machar raises key appointment issues

JUBA – South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has voiced concerns over the recent reconstitution of critical transitional bodies pivotal for steering South Sudan’s inaugural general elections, slated for late next year.

President Kiir issued a series of republican decrees on November 3, reconstituting the National Elections Commission (NEC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and the Political Parties Council (PPC).

The SPLM-IO, which is the perceived stronger opposition groups can compete with Kiir in the 2024 elections, raised concerns that some of its members, including the nominated chief electoral officer, were not appointed by the president to the designated positions.

In a letter addressed to President Kiir on November 20, Machar, also the leader of the main armed opposition party, highlighted what he perceives as “anomalies” in the appointment process, potentially obstructing the institutions’ seamless operation.

He specifically noted Mary Akech Bior’s dual appointment to both the NCRC and the PPC, terming it a possible oversight.

“I also noticed that Hon. Mary Akech Bior is appointed as a member of NCRC as well as a member of Political Parties Council. This must be an oversight,” he stated in the letter seen by Sudans Post.

Regarding the NEC, Machar expressed concern about Gatluak Gabriel Deng, his nominee for the Chief Electoral Officer position, who was appointed as an ordinary commission member instead.

“SPLM (IO) nominee, Hon. Gatluak Gabriel Deng for position of Chief Electoral Officer was not appointed to the designated position but as an ordinary member of this commission. Another person who was described as a civil servant was instead appointed as Chief Electoral Officer,” Machar said.

The opposition leader further highlighted the absence of Eli Magok Manyol and Atak Akuot Manyiok, both SPLM-IO nominees, from the NEC and the council, respectively.

In conclusion, Machar urged President Kiir to rectify “these anomalies,” emphasizing their significance, particularly as South Sudan prepares for the eagerly anticipated general elections in December 2024.

Machar’s concerns come at a crucial time as South Sudan prepares for its long-awaited general elections scheduled for December 2024.

This reconstitution, a pivotal step in fulfilling the requirements of the revitalized peace agreement (R-ARCSS), was executed on November 3.

The development follows recent remarks by the head of the UN mission in South Sudan, Nicolas Haysom, highlighting the lack of necessary conditions for the upcoming elections