26/01/2024
We call upon the government to open the civic space and pave the way for a peaceful 2024 election, we at Integrity South Sudan, a non-governmental civil society organization committed to promoting democracy and good governance, are dedicated to advocating for this fundamental right. As we all know, South Sudan is on track to hold its inaugural general election in December 2024, marking the end of a three-year transitional period agreed upon by all parties involved in the revitalization of the conflict resolution in the country. Given the significance of this election, we implore the government to take immediate and concrete measures to ensure a fair and transparent process that upholds the people's right to choose their leaders and representatives, and to shape the future of their country.
However, while this opportunity holds great potential, it also presents significant obstacles and dangers due to the ongoing feuds and slow implementation of the R-ARCSS. One crucial challenge and risk is the severe lack of civic space in South Sudan. Civic space serves as a platform for individuals, groups, and organizations to actively and freely engage in the public affairs of their nation. It encompasses fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, association, information, and participation. These rights are critical in nurturing a vibrant and diverse civil society, which plays a crucial role in advancing democracy, accountability, human rights, peace, and development in South Sudan.
Unfortunately, our country has been plagued by countless violations and abuse of civil and political rights. These transgressions range from the harassment and intimidation of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders to the hindrance of political parties and civil society organizations. Moreover, there have been instances of denying and obstructing access to vital information. As a result, a sense of fear and silence has taken hold among those in civil society. This has severely hindered their capacity and motivation to participate in public affairs and hold not only the government, but also other actors, accountable for their actions.
We are deeply concerned about the diminishing civic space in South Sudan and its potential negative impact on the upcoming 2024 election. In order for the election to be deemed credible, inclusive, and reflective of the will and hopes of the South Sudanese people, it is crucial that the civic space remains open. The absence of civic space would result in a lack of transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in the election, leading to irregularities, fraud, and violence. Beyond just the election, the closed civic space would also escalate existing conflicts and instabilities in the country. Therefore, we urge the government of South Sudan to take necessary measures to open up the civic space and create a conducive environment for a peaceful election in 2024.
In order to foster a democratic and inclusive society, it is crucial that the rights of free expression, association, assembly, information, and participation of all civil society members are fully respected and protected. This is outlined in the South Sudanese constitution, as well as the R-ARCSS and various international human rights treaties that South Sudan is a signatory of. Furthermore, the establishment and activation of institutions such as the National Elections Commission and Political Parties Registration Council must be carried out in a manner that upholds independence, impartiality, and inclusivity. Adequate resources and capabilities must also be provided to ensure a successful and fair election in 2024.
Involve and seek input from civil society members, particularly those from marginalized communities, in the creation and ex*****on of electoral regulations and the constitution. Prioritize their opinions and contributions to influence the outcome of elections. Enable and support the engagement and monitoring of both local and global civil society members in the electoral process, guaranteeing their access to essential information, data, and venues to freely and securely communicate their observations and suggestions.
We firmly believe that implementing these actions is not only essential, but also realistic and advantageous for both the government and the people of South Sudan. By promoting an open civic space, the government can demonstrate its unwavering dedication to the core values of democracy, human rights, peace, and development as outlined within the country's constitution, the R-ARCSS, and its vision for 2040. Such a move would not only increase the legitimacy, credibility, and popularity of the government at home, but also on an international level. Furthermore, an open civic space would help to foster trust, confidence, and collaboration among all stakeholders and partners within the nation. This, in turn, would greatly contribute to the success and historic significance of the upcoming 2024 election.
We earnestly anticipate that the government will approach this appeal with an open-minded attitude and a sense of optimism, and take swift and effective measures in response.
Eye Radio
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