The United Nations mission head in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, expressed confidence that credible elections can be conducted in the country if leaders overcome certain challenges.
Haysom urged political leaders to address obstacles such as finalizing security arrangements, deploying unified forces, and allocating funds to operationalize electoral bodies.
Haysom highlighted the critical juncture at which South Sudan finds itself, emphasizing that the nation has the opportunity to choose a path leading to peaceful and credible elections, given the apparent desire among South Sudanese citizens for such an electoral process.
According to a UNMISS Perception Survey, about 90% of respondents expressed the importance of elections and their intention to participate.
While UNMISS has consistently asserted that elections could take place in December, Haysom underscored the need for swift action by the country’s leaders to overcome key obstacles. He clarified that his previous concerns about the country’s capacity to host elections were tied to the existing conditions and the failure to establish necessary institutions, which are now being established.
Haysom stressed the importance of reaching a consensus on a realistic electoral calendar, considering operational, logistical, legal, and security aspects.
He outlined the necessity of finalizing Transitional Security Arrangements, agreeing on an electoral security plan, and deploying unified forces to ensure a secure environment for the electoral process.