JUBA, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has warned against holding elections without the prerequisites provided for in the revitalized peace deal.

In an interview with Sudans Post on Thursday, SPLM-IO member of the National Liberation Council (NLC) and chairperson of RRC in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state Dut Majokdit warned that holding elections without implementing the peace agreement would be a “ticking bomb”.

Majokdit said that the SPLM-IG is reluctant to implement key provisions of the agreement, such as the permanent constitution, population census, security arrangements, and electoral laws.

He also said that the National Election Commission is not reconstituted and that there is no election budget.

“So, the election without the above mentioned [requirements] is a ticking bomb,” Majokdit said.

“So, for the IG that they want to go for elections, then it is up to them. But the country is not ready for election now and I don’t know which party will go to election with the SPLM-IG in this volatile situation,” he added.

Majokdit called for the full implementation of the peace agreement in letter and spirit before holding elections.

He said that the SPLM-IO and its leader Riek Machar will be ready for elections once the 2018 peace deal is fully implemented.

“The time for elections to be met is very important, but the SPLM in government, which are the key partner to peace, are lacking the political will to implement the peace agreements,” Majokdit said.

“So, you implement the peace agreement first before you are calling for elections,” he added.

Majokdit also said that elections are the end of the transitional period and that all political parties must respect the end of the transition.

He said that the SPLM-IO is ready to implement the peace agreement and to go for elections.

“So, we are not afraid of elections but let the key provisions of the agreement be implemented,” Majokdit said. - Sudans Post