The squandering of the hard-earned right of self-determination by political elites in South Sudan
3 min read
Umba Peter Bosco
Ensuring Electoral Integrity: A Pillar for Sustainable Bilateral Relations and Their Attendant Advantages
By Umba Peter Bosco, Juba, South Sudan
Tuesday, 05 September 2023 (PW) — The squandering of the hard-won right to self-determination by South Sudan’s political elite, resulting in the tragic conflict of December 2013 and again in July 2016, unmistakably reflects a deliberate choice by the country’s leadership to deprive its citizens of the rewards of independence and peace.
In August 2018, a peace agreement was brokered in Khartoum, tasking various political parties with forming a transitional government, with one of its key responsibilities being preparing the nation and its people for upcoming elections. This moment presents an opportunity for the South Sudanese to shape the destiny of their nation through the impending elections.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised by certain members of civil society and the international community regarding the need for genuine commitment on the part of the country’s political leaders to fully enact critical provisions of the agreement necessary for establishing a secure environment conducive to conducting credible elections.
In contrast to other opposition parties, the SPLM party is well-prepared for the elections and determined to secure victory through any means necessary. In the absence of competent and impartial dispute resolution mechanisms and arbitrators, which is the current situation, the likelihood of contested election results remains high, thereby increasing the risk of renewed conflict.
To avert a relapse into civil war, the international community, with the support of the United States (U.S.), United Kingdom (U.K.), Norway, the African Union (A.U.), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), should prioritize and consider deploying a capable and empowered election observation mission. Such a mission would play a crucial role in assisting the South Sudanese people in ushering in a new era of democracy where all can enjoy justice, freedom, and equality.
Immediate technical and financial support from the international community is imperative to strengthen the South Sudanese civil society, particularly the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (HRDN). This organisation could play a pivotal role in educating citizens about their civic rights and liberties by conducting nationwide civic education and electoral awareness campaigns.
Empowering citizens will enable them to effectively exercise their constitutional rights, including the option to abstain from participating in undemocratic processes.
An informed and empowered civil society, coupled with targeted sanctions and the isolation of individual leaders and institutions that obstruct efforts to create a secure civic space for credible elections at both regional and international levels, are essential to compel political leaders and the government to embark on institutional reforms necessary for credible elections.
In conclusion, the attainment of electoral credibility and the establishment of a democratic government in South Sudan will not only contribute to the restoration and strengthening of U.S.–South Sudan bilateral relations but also serve as a vital safeguard for democratic values and the achievement of mutual interests and foreign policy objectives.
A free, fair, secure, and credible election enhances South Sudan’s reputation locally, regionally, and globally, enabling it to benefit substantially from bilateral relations and cooperation.
The author, Umba Peter Bosco, is a South Sudanese political scientist and conflict analyst, reachable at umbapeter28@gmail.com.
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