The chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said political parties are essential for democracies to function, as well as for the promotion of peace and stability and the prevention of violent conflict.
Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing the South Sudan Political Parties Forum in Juba which brought together leaders drawn from across the political parties in South Sudan.
The event was organized by UNMISS under the theme ‘Uniting for a Peaceful Political Transition and Elections in South Sudan.’
“Without strong political and state institutions, components of democratization such as elections and political party competition can raise tensions or, in extreme cases, lead to renewed conflict,” Amb. Gituai stated. “It is therefore essential to support inclusive multi-party dialogues to help parties to overcome mistrust and suspicion, which often obstruct pragmatic dialogue on national political concerns.”
“Credible elections and election processes are, therefore, a vital cornerstone in the laying of the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous South Sudan,” he added.
Amb. Gituai reminded the Forum that the Revitalised Agreement prohibits the Parties to the Agreement from committing certain acts during the Transitional Period, which includes the electoral period.
“Actions such as engaging in hostile propaganda or hate speech including social media to foment ethnic or secretion hatred are prohibited. Violent actions such as attacking the civilian population, and sexual and gender-based violence are also strictly prohibited,” he said. “Stability and effectiveness of a political party system is not only determined by its legal framework, but by the checks and balances within the system, and the parties’ organization and general democratic practices within the party.”
The RJMEC chairperson urged the parties to robustly engage with each other bearing in mind that a broad, inclusive dialogue among all political parties helps to build relationships based on trust, democratic tolerance, and transparency and facilitates the exchange of good practices.
Amb. Gituai called for constructive dialogue among Political Parties.
“This can help build consensus on practical steps that can be taken to secure the electoral environment for the country and ensure attainment of necessary milestones including the timely conduct of elections,” he concluded.