By Jenifer James
King News 11th September – As South Sudan faces critical election deadlines, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has called on the government to offer greater transparency and clarity on the upcoming national elections.
In a statement to the media on Tuesday, Yakani stressed the importance of the government communicating with the public after the National Election Commission announced the voting dates.
“We are aware that the 2023 Amended Electoral Law, Section 16, Subsection 2, requires the dissolution of the Transitional Government of National Unity 90 days before the proposed voting date, which the National Election Commission has declared,” Yakani stated.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has emphasized the importance of clarity regarding South Sudan’s national elections. He reminded the public that Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, the chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC), had set December 22, 2024, as the official date for the vote. With the election day rapidly approaching, Yakani stressed the need for the government to address key electoral issues.
Yakani pointed out that the public is growing increasingly anxious with only two months remaining before the proposed election. Among the concerns is the dissolution of the Transitional Government, which is legally required to take place by September 22, 2024, per the electoral law. This uncertainty has created an atmosphere of unease, with citizens eagerly awaiting clarity from political leadership on the nation’s political future.
In July, the NEC confirmed December 22, 2024, as the official election date, following Section 16(1) of the National Election Act 2023. However, Yakani noted that delays in the political process have already impacted critical preparations. Specifically, he highlighted the postponement of the voter registration process, which was supposed to begin in June, but was delayed due to political disagreements among the various parties involved.
As the election date draws near, Yakani has called on the government to prioritize addressing these concerns. He emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks in conducting the electoral process. He warned that Failing to do so could jeopardize the election’s credibility and deepen the country’s existing political instability.
South Sudan, already struggling with the aftermath of conflict and ongoing efforts to stabilize the peace process, cannot afford further political turmoil. Yakani’s plea underscores the urgency of ensuring that the upcoming election is conducted smoothly and within the confines of the law, providing a clear path for the nation’s political future.