Author: Stephen Omiri
Expectations, opportunism, and uncertainty about the future will all play a role in the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 2024.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the people of South Sudan are tired and worn out of having leaders imposed upon them rather than elected by them. The people of South Sudan are united in their desire for a government that is both accountable to the people and streamlined in its operations.
For this reason, the December 2024 event must take place. In that regard, the outcome of the impending general elections is essential to the future engagement of the diplomatic community, corporate leaders, and investors with South Sudan.
In a recent consultative discussion with World Bank experts about their proposed strategic engagement with South Sudan, it became clear that elections emerge as a determining factor, a sentiment shared by members of the diplomatic corps in the nation and other development agencies.
The elections’ administration stands out as particularly notable. To the unity government, I would stress the significance of holding elections in which all candidates feel comfortable with the results.
Acceptable elections are free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
Through its ambassador in South Sudan, the United States government has repeatedly pressed the Unity government to carry out the Roadmap, which will allow for free, fair, and peaceful elections to be held.
Diplomats are concerned that next year’s growing cultures around the conflict will result in a decrease in humanitarian support for the country.
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has caused food inflation and an economic catastrophe in countries around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in December 2019.
Today, every nation faces the same challenges—runaway inflation and an uncertain economic future.
Therefore, it is crucial for South Sudan’s future participation in the world to hold elections that are free, fair, and peaceful.
When a government is chosen by the people and runs the country based on a development agenda, the results are more likely to be fair and acceptable, propelling the country forward on the development path.
Investor trust in the country will rise after a free, fair, and peaceful election.
Development partners are more likely to invest in strategic, long-term initiatives if elections are held without violence and according to international standards.
© Stephen 2023
