South Sudan presidency meeting ends with call for electoral advice

JUBA – A meeting of South Sudan’s presidency on Tuesday concluded with a decision to seek advice from electoral institutions, according to a statement from the presidency.

The meeting, chaired by President Salva Kiir, was attended by First Vice President Riek Machar, Vice Presidents James Wani Igga, Hussein Abdelbagi, and Rebecca Nyandeng, along with members of the high-level standing committee for assessing the implementation of the 2018 peace deal and leaders of other political parties signatory to the revitalized peace agreement.

The presidency resolved to seek technical assistance from electoral institutions to assess the feasibility of holding upcoming elections.

“The Presidency, along with the leaders of major political parties, has resolved to seek technical advice from the electoral institutions on the feasibility of conducting upcoming elections,” the presidency’s statement, seen by Sudans Post, said.

The meeting followed last week’s announcement by Cabinet Minister Martin Elia Lomuro that the presidency would convene to discuss recommendations from the high-level standing committee on the peace deal’s implementation.

While the statement did not specify which electoral institutions would be consulted, Lomuro emphasized that the decision aimed to provide a realistic timetable for the elections.

Commenting on the Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative, Lomuro stated that it must align with the revitalized peace agreement, asserting that any provisions not in accordance with the peace agreement would be removed.

South Sudan is scheduled to hold elections in December, but the high-level committee has recommended a 24-month extension of the transitional period due to the incomplete implementation of key provisions of the peace agreement.

These provisions include the unification of rival forces, the drafting of a permanent constitution, the conduct of a census, and the resettlement and repatriation of refugees and displaced persons, all of which are conditions set by the opposition for the elections.

Despite the lack of progress in these areas, Kiir and his party have previously insisted on conducting the elections as scheduled in December.