The SPLM Youth League in Eastern Equatoria State has confirmed its preparedness for the 2024 general elections, despite crucial pending issues in the 2018 peace agreement.
This affirmation came during the conclusion of a three-day training session on SPLM youth engagement for the upcoming elections at the SPLM Secretariat in Torit.
Although South Sudan is scheduled for elections in December 2024, critical issues such as census, repatriation of refugees, and security arrangements, among others, remain unresolved according to the agreement roadmap.
The training aimed to equip the SPLM Youth League with the necessary skills and knowledge for mobilization, campaigning, and understanding the elections processes. Following the completion of the engagement, all 210 SPLM youth cadres in attendance declared their readiness for the elections, regardless of whether the outstanding provisions are met.
Speaking at the conclusion of the youth engagement training on Thursday, David Kesi Vinancio, a member of the SPLM Youth League, said that youth in the state are fully prepared for the 2024 general election. He expressed gratitude for the knowledge acquired in spreading the SPLM vision and civic education.
He added that, “Whoever is not ready, that is their own problem, but for us in the SPLM, we are saying we are ready come (December) 2024.”
Susan Kawaja Bolo, a female SPLM Youth League member, echoed the sentiment of readiness and called on other parties to collaborate for peaceful elections.
She urged South Sudanese to vote wisely, emphasizing, “We as youth, whether in SPLM-IO or any other party, need to join our hearts together for this election. Let’s work towards restoring our country to a state of peace. We should love one another and have compassion for the suffering population who fled to neighbouring countries due to the conflicts and crises South Sudan has experienced.”
Sadiq Emmanuel, Chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State SPLM Youth League, emphasized that South Sudanese can only experience the benefits of peace when leaders acknowledge their mistakes. He underscored the importance of disseminating peace messages to the grassroots population.
Addressing the workshop participants, Emmanuel urged them to deliver the right message to the grassroots, stating, “We must admit our mistakes, and when we do, we can use them to correct ourselves. This will enable us to lead this country for the next 100 years.”
Dr. Magret Itto, Deputy Chairperson of SPLM in Eastern Equatoria State, urged the youth in the state to reject hate speech and conflict, emphasizing that such actions only serve to divide citizens. She expressed the government’s commitment to involving youth in governance and leadership during the upcoming election process.
“It’s essential to avoid conflicting information, gossip, and propaganda. Let’s steer clear of hate speeches as they only serve to divide us. We need unity among the elders, youth, men, and women. The youth, including our young girls and boys, are mature enough to enter governance with a mindset focused on peace and coexistence. Inclusion of youth in positions of leadership will bring about more positive outcomes when we continue working together to secure a 100% vote,” she emphasized.
Jacinto Matia Mboro, SPLM Deputy Secretary for Peace and Reconciliation at the national level, stated that essential conditions for the upcoming election have been fulfilled by parties in the agreement.
Mboro explained, “The prerequisites for the election include the establishment of an election commission, the enactment of the election act, the formation of the Political Party Council, and ensuring security because elections without security may not be successful. We have witnessed several graduations of unified forces, ready to protect the elections. The fulfillment of these five key issues qualifies the elections to proceed.”