Kiir told ‘election is not an event’

JUBA – A South Sudan activist has said President Salva Kiir Mayardit has contributed to the failure of the revitalized peace agreement and should be mindful that the national election slated for end of the transitional period is not an event, but a process that needs immediate actions that would lead to its success.

“President Kiir should understand that election is not an event. It is a process, his government is still struggling to implement key Pre- Transitional Period activities for 3 years and failed to meet datelines set by themselves,” Activist Wani Michael wrote on his social medias Facebook page.

The comments by the activist comes days after President Salva Kiir Mayardit promised that the country will go for elections in 2023 which he said will be the only solution for the ruling SPLM party to consolidate power.

Wani said it is not enough for the president to just talk of elections without tangible steps that may lead to the election saying the South Sudanese head of state himself has contributed to the failure of the 2018 peace agreement.

“It is not enough to talk about elections, elections, elections. How do you talk about elections when you know very well that you’ve greatly contributed to failing the Peace Agreement implementation,” he said.

“President Kiir should be talking about processes that can lead us into elections. His government, political parties and other stakeholders are supposed to develop a clear framework for elections. We must start ticking the box but at the moment, there’s absolutely nothing to tick,” he added.

He further added that South Sudan leaders “aren’t ready for elections because they’ve nothing to offer our people. They’re plotting to extend the Transitional Period through Parliament.”