By Jenifer James
King News, Sept 17th, 2024 – South Sudan recently participated in International Democracy Day, dedicating the occasion to fostering democratic values within the country. Moses Monday John, Executive Director of the Non-Violence and Development Organization, underscored the significance of democracy for South Sudan, emphasizing the nation’s unique path and experiences in this realm.
In his address to the media on Tuesday, Moses Monday John remarked, “South Sudan’s journey in democratic development is uniquely our own, and our experiences reflect that distinct history.”
Moses said, South Sudan, like every country, has its own unique democratic journey. Our experience in 2011, particularly with the referendum for self-determination, was a significant democratic exercise. Adding that this civic education effort was crucial in preparing our people to make an informed decision, ultimately leading to our independence.
“This referendum was the first major democratic exercise for South Sudan. Although we haven’t held elections since then, this experience of self-determination was a crucial step in our democratic journey. People engaged in discussions about their choices, and their decision led us to become an independent country.”
Meanwhile, the regional coordinator of East Africa, Mulla Musau, said democracy needs a lot of work in East Africa, especially in South Sudan, Sudan, and other African countries.
“It makes sense for us to learn from the experiences of our neighboring countries so that we can also prepare ourselves on how we want to build our democracy; there are a lot of things we can actually note and use for building our own democracy. “We have to start by ensuring that we educate ourselves and that we work together as stakeholders so that we can grow our democracy,” Mulla said.
According to Mulla, countries like Sudan and Somalia are facing their own issues. Democracy is still a work in progress across our region, but with a focus on people-centered processes, we can achieve greater democratic progress.
However, Sarah Bireete, the Chairperson of the Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors, addressed the ongoing challenges faced by South Sudan. She pointed out that this year’s commemoration comes against the backdrop of delayed elections, underscoring the essential role of the people in democracy.
International Democracy Day, observed annually on September 15th, serves as a reminder to reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles and to work together towards building a more inclusive and prosperous society.