Gov’t told to reconstitute national elections commission ahead of time  

JUBA, FEBRUARY 28, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A South Sudan civil society activist is appealing to the transitional government to reconstitute the national elections commission, saying early reconstitution is paramount to confidence of the people in the process.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday met the chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) Abednego Akok who discussed with the president preparations – including reconstitution of the commission – for the 2024 elections.

In a statement, Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) welcomed the discussion between Kiir and the head of National Elections Commission and stressed the need for early preparation towards the polls.

“CEPO appreciates the move of the president move towards the preparation for the conduct of the general national elections. This is great act but it should be in conformity with the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. This means the reconstitution of the national elections commission and amendment of the national elections act is paramount,” Yakani said.

“Genuine preparation for the conduct of credible and peaceful elections in South Sudan current context is essential and act on the preparation of the elections should be in accordance with the provisions of the R-ARCSS otherwise the preparation may be in violation of the R-ARCSS provisions for prescribing the standards for conduct of elections,” he added.

The prominent activist further stressed that “It is important to get on high speedy in preparing the environment for the conduct of credible and peaceful elections in South Sudan. The timeline for the preparing for genuine elections by December 2024 is now not tomorrow.

“Therefore, the presidency should act urgently in reconstituting the political institutions that have direct link with electoral preparatory process.”

The statement further said that “CEPO will be soon releasing domestic electoral preparatory report for informing the political leaders for follow up of the required standards per the provisions of the R-ARCSS for the conduct of credible and peaceful elections.”