R-JMEC says lack of clarity on elections preparedness creating uncertainty

JUBA, OCTOBER 5, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), a body that monitors the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, said on Thursday that lack of clarity on election preparedness is creating uncertainty among the citizens.

Speaking during the R-JMEC plenary meeting held in Juba on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Amb. Charles Tai Gituai, R-JMEC Interim Chairperson, said it has been five years since the signing of the 2018 peace deal, but the parties remained slow in its implementation.

“The lack of sufficient progress and clarity on elections-preparedness, constitution-making, or unification of forces, each of which is a critical pre-condition for smooth and successful elections, is creating uncertainty,” said Gituai.

Gituai said called on the parties to the conflict to fast-track the implementation process of the deal and give clarifications to the people of South Sudan on the conduct of the long-awaited elections.

“A lot of work still remains to be done to complete the critical pending tasks necessary to effect South Sudan’s democratic transition,” he said.

“It is imperative for the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to provide to the people of South Sudan clarity on election preparedness,” he said.

Gituai emphasized the need to conduct civic education, fast-track the permanent constitution-making process, and promote political and civic space to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

“It is incumbent on the country’s leadership to consolidate the peace dividends to all its diverse communities through a democratic transition,” he said.

He described the recent passing of the National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the transitional parliament as an important step in realizing the democratic aspirations of the people of South Sudan.

The peace monitoring chief further called for the completion of the unification and redeployment of forces and further urged the RTGoNU to provide adequate resources to the security mechanisms.

“Therefore, expectations are that the Parties will adhere to the Agreement, increase the pace of implementation, and demonstrate tangible progress in the completion of the critical pending tasks,” he said.