![Chairperson of Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai speaks during a plenary meeting held in Juba on Thursday, February 8th, 2024 [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9420.jpg?resize=1024%2C511&ssl=1)
Speaking during an R-JMEC plenary meeting held in Juba on Thursday, Gituai said critical tasks remained unimplemented on elections-preparedness, constitution-making, and security arrangements which are critical pre-conditions for smooth and successful elections.
“What is unclear, however, is how the RTGoNU and Parties to the Agreement will be able to complete the critical pending tasks and create a conducive environment for the conduct of credible elections within the time left,” said Gituai.
The retired Kenyan commander said leaders of the world’s youngest country have an appetite for elections based on the engagement he had with signatories of the 2018 revitalized peace deal, partners and special envoys.
“My overall assessment is that there is significant appetite for elections to be conducted in a timely manner, and in accordance with the requirements of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.”
Gituai urged the government to take steps to mitigate challenges facing the implementation of the peace deal to smooth the way for elections at the end of this year.
“The recurring challenges facing implementation of the agreement are by now familiar, and steps to mitigate them in order to smooth the way for elections at the end of this year need to be taken,” he said.
“These challenges include, among others, the lack of sufficient funding, trust deficit, capacity gaps, inter-communal violence, defections, flooding, and the influx of returnees and refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan.”
Gituai further said there are several critical tasks, which if completed promptly, will enhance political and civic space, sustain the peace and consolidate the gains made in the implementation of the Agreement so far.
