The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) Bishops have urged for the prompt execution of the general elections scheduled for December 2024, in accordance with the agreed 24-month extension.
During a press conference at the ECSS Guest House in Juba on Tuesday, Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, the Primate of the ECSS, emphasized the importance of conducting the elections, despite certain essential prerequisites outlined in the agreement that have yet to be fulfilled.
“While we fully endorse the stipulated timeline for the elections as set out in the revitalized agreement and the roadmap, we express deep concern regarding the inadequate implementation of crucial aspects of the election process by the parties involved. These include security arrangements, the reconstitution of the national election commission, sufficient funding for the election budget, repatriation efforts, relief initiatives, rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons, as well as the reconstitution of the political party council,” Badi explained.
The Church acknowledges the challenges faced by the government and political parties but firmly believes that it is in the best interest of South Sudan’s citizens to ensure timely elections. The Church stands prepared to provide support throughout the process, offering prayers, preaching, peace messages, advocacy, civic and voter education, election monitoring, and mediation.
“As a church, we are ready to support the process through prayers, preaching, peace messages, advocacy, civic and voter education, election monitoring, and mediation,” Badi affirmed.
The ECSS leadership appeals to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and the international community, often referred to as “friends of South Sudan,” to ensure that elections proceed as scheduled without any further extensions, thus safeguarding the lives of innocent citizens. The bishops stressed the critical importance of this matter.