Juba, South Sudan
December 4, 2021—South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, raised concerns on South Sudan General elections which are expected to take place by 2023.
Addressing the SPLM-IO National Liberation Council’s on Thursday, Dr. Machar, who is the Chairman of the main armed opposition party, said there are four prerequisites to be followed on the implementation of the peace agreement for South Sudan to hold free and fair elections by the year 2023
“Firstly, there is a need for unified forces in the country because without unified force there will be no security and without security there will be no free, credible and fair elections”,Machar said at opening remarks yesterday at SPLM-IO National Liberation Council’s meeting.
He said the return of the externally displaced citizens or refugees to South Sudan is very crucial since they are the ones who will cast votes during elections.
“Secondly, repatriation of the refugees from neighboring countries should be facilitated because without bringing our people home there will be no enough voters during general election and therefore, we need to bring back all people who have fled the country during the conflict”, Machar added.
Third, he emphasized the need for general census across the country so that the electorates are determined before the elections.
And lastly, Dr. Machar stressed that drafting of the permanent constitution that reflects the will of all citizens in South Sudan is necessary after transitional period or otherwise the elections by 2023 will not be possible if these steps are not properly observed.
According to Machar, the genuine and credible elections depend on implementing these prerequisites in letter and spirit.
