Machar ally labels Kiir’s endorsement rallies as ‘mischief’

JUBA – A prominent member of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has dismissed the ongoing endorsement rallies supporting President Salva Kiir, labeling them as “mischief” and asserting that premature elections are not a viable means to bring peace to South Sudan.

In a statement provided to Sudans Post this afternoon, Dut Majokdit, an outspoken SPLM-IO member of the National Liberation Council (NLC) and Chairperson of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), expressed concerns about the lack of political space for other parties, indicating an absence of political will from the SPLM party.

“The ongoing premature elections being promoted by SPLM (IG) and its allies are not a viable option and alternative solution for peace and political settlement. This presidential endorsement in the region is all mischief and fiction in the highest order,” Majokdit emphasized.

He added, “In fact, the illusion mobilization in the regions by one political party has indicated the lack of political will to implement the agreement to end the vicious circle of the transitions,” highlighting the skepticism surrounding the ongoing endorsement rallies.

Majokdit stated that their group is prepared for free and fair elections but emphasized that it must align with the outstanding provisions of the revitalized peace agreement.

“To the hardliners of the Status quo and doubting Thomas, we are ready for the election, if the prerequisites and the important provisions in the agreement are implemented in letter and spirit,” he affirmed.

South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first-ever elections in December of this year, marking the conclusion of the current transitional period. However, uncertainty looms over the implementation of these elections as the ruling SPLM faction under Kiir and the SPLM-IO under Machar have conflicting views on the democratic process.

While Kiir advocates for the elections to proceed, Machar, along with international bodies like the United Nations, contends that holding elections this year is not feasible due to the country’s unpreparedness.

Machar insists on addressing key provisions such as security arrangements, electoral reform, the permanent constitution, and refugee resettlement before conducting polls.