Advocating for General Elections in South Sudan: A Call to Action
4 min read
President Kiir assent election Bill into law
By Tom Gatdel Malou, Nairobi, Kenya
Wednesday, 27 September 2023 (PW) — Amidst public sentiment and my unwavering conviction, it becomes evident that the people of South Sudan are in desperate need of conducting general elections. While some may question my rationale, it is essential to acknowledge that any significant decision impacting the public must weigh the benefits for the nation and its citizens against any potential disadvantages.
Considering this, I seize this opportunity to implore the legislative body and His Excellency President Kiir of the Republic of South Sudan to pursue electoral arrangements as outlined in the agreement steadfastly. It is disheartening to witness some politicians selectively endorsing agreement clauses, driven solely by their fragile political interests. To the leadership’s attention, I appeal to the President to gather a reasonable quorum of legislators to advance the cause of holding elections.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I assure President Kiir that the citizens of South Sudan eagerly await his leadership to guide them through the electoral process. Your Excellency, it is crucial to emphasise my unequivocal support for the upcoming elections, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt appeal to all civil organisations, professionals from diverse fields, academicians, and political parties to join hands with the President and legislators to ensure the elections are conducted as soon as possible.
Your Excellency, to address the census issue, it is worth noting that South Sudan’s demographic data are readily available at the South Sudan Center for Census, Statistics, and Evaluation (SSCCSE). I bring this to your attention as a response to those advocating for the necessity of a census before elections. Additionally, I suggest recruiting election staff from various capacities identified within the body’s bureaucracy as an added reminder to the SSCCSE.
I am aware that some South Sudanese, who have actively worked to undermine the country’s progress, may oppose this call for elections, perceiving it as a failure of President Salva Kiir. Such opinions need depth and understanding. We must prioritise the nation’s interests over individual ambitions, and it isn’t very sensible to aspire to govern a country we simultaneously strive to make a failed state. This is a severe lapse in judgment.
Considering all the concerns above, I urge President Salva Kiir to support all institutions essential for conducting elections and addressing security matters. As the nation’s trailblazer, I implore you to rally the legislative body at this critical juncture to approve the election budget, which will facilitate all aspects of the electoral process and its aftermath.
Should circumstances deviate from the path of peace outlined in the various agreements, I propose that all five vice presidential positions be subjected to a competitive selection process, allowing anyone to vie for these positions, including myself. While this may disappoint some current vice presidents, it encourages competence and accountability within the government.
I have reservations about the impact of parliamentary interns, from the state to the national level, on South Sudan’s economic woes. To further justify the call for elections, consider the following factors:
1. Financial Burden: The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU) has imposed excessive taxes on South Sudanese citizens, making it challenging for them to provide for their families.
2. Legitimacy and Sovereignty: South Sudan’s constitution emphasises that the country’s sovereignty rests with its people, and the government acts on their behalf in alignment with ratified international agreements. Conducting elections is imperative to uphold citizens’ rights to vote.
3. Unity and Stability: Holding elections can help prevent further fragmentation of the country into smaller administrative areas. Granting citizens the power to elect their leaders can mitigate potential rebellions.
In conclusion, I am privileged to inform all South Sudanese citizens that the election call has garnered widespread support among informed individuals who have felt disenfranchised of their voting rights. Even my octogenarian father, a humble peasant farmer, yearns for the 2024 elections.
The author, Tom Gatdel Malou, is a South Sudanese Master’s degree student at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a freelance writer who can be reached via email at gatdelmalou@students.uonbi.ac.ke.
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