The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, has expressed serious concerns about the country's preparedness for its inaugural presidential election, scheduled for 2024. During a meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Haysom stated that South Sudan is currently not in a position to hold "free, fair, and credible elections."
Haysom pointed to several key obstacles hindering the electoral process, including the absence of a reformed electoral body and a functioning political parties council. He emphasized the critical need for a stable political and security environment to ensure a legitimate election, stating that this is "non-negotiable."
The upcoming election is a crucial component of the peace agreement signed five years ago to end a devastating civil war that claimed the lives of an estimated 400,000 people. While acknowledging the challenges, Haysom suggested that progress could still be made if there is sufficient political will, resources, and a commitment to fostering a suitable political climate.
Recent tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, stemming from the dismissal of the defense and interior ministers, have further complicated the situation. The peace agreement stipulated that Kiir would appoint the interior minister and Machar the defense minister, but Kiir has unilaterally dismissed both. Furthermore, the deployment of unified defense forces, composed of former rival factions, remains delayed. The government attributes this delay to a lack of funding, while critics point to a lack of political will.
The delayed deployment of unified forces is another critical aspect of the Transitional Security Arrangements that is lagging behind schedule. Despite these challenges, President Kiir has reaffirmed his commitment to holding elections in 2024 and has announced his candidacy. He is anticipated to face off against Machar, who has yet to formally declare his intention to run.
Opposition groups have accused the government of lacking the necessary political will to conduct elections, but Kiir maintains his dedication to ensuring a free and fair electoral process. Haysom's warning underscores the significant hurdles that South Sudan must overcome to achieve this goal.
