Malong says elections a nonstarter for now, but rejects extension of transitional period

JUBA – South Sudan opposition leader Gen. Paul Malong Awan Anei has said that there is no conducive environment for conduct of elections saying some opposition leaders are unable to visit some parts of the world’s youngest country.

This comes after senior government officials told the media this week that President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny have agreed to the extension of the transitional period in the country for another two years.

Malong says the prevalence of guns in the hands of everybody makes it hard for peaceful election campaigns.

“Currently, people should rule out the conduct of elections in South Sudan. You cannot contest for elections as a party while holding guns, it is not possible. Even if people agree today that there should be general elections, many politicians cannot go to some areas in South Sudan,” he said, according to Radio Tamazuj.

Malong who was once the chief of South Sudan armed forces expressed strong disapproval for the extension of the transitional period and pointed to the continued flight of the people of South Sudan to IDP refugee camps.

“If you keep extending the transitional government’s tenure and the citizens are still staying in the camps and outside the country, is this what South Sudanese need?” the opposition leader asked.

“We want to see all the tribes of South Sudan being represented in the military. We also want to see reforms in many sectors, not only in the military. The country urgently needs reforms in all the sectors.

“Our proposal to have a government of technocrats in the country is our position as non-signatory parties, but it is subject to discussions with the other side. The transitional period is coming to an end and nothing has been done by the transitional government.”