Concerns Raised as Political Space Continues to Shrink Ahead of 2024 Elections

As the countdown begins for the 2024 Elections in South Sudan, concerns are being raised about the shrinking political space.

The recent cancellation of a public debate organized by a political party, CPA, in Bor town has drawn attention to the limitations imposed on political activities. This development has sparked discussions surrounding political pluralism and the need for an inclusive and transparent electoral process.

The cancellation of the public debate has raised questions about the unequal treatment of political parties in South Sudan.

While some parties are allowed to hold political rallies across the country, others face restrictions and are prevented from organizing public activities.

This discriminatory practice contradicts the principles of political pluralism envisaged in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS) and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 2018.

Bol Deng Bol, Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) and Executive Director of INTREPID-South Sudan, has appealed to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) to open up civil and political spaces.

Bol emphasizes the importance of improving the quality of civic participation and political engagement during the ongoing democratic processes, particularly in the lead-up to the December 2024 General Elections.

A transparent, fair, and credible electoral process is crucial for building trust and ensuring representation of the diverse voices within the country.

As South Sudan prepares for the 2024 Elections, it is imperative that the government addresses concerns regarding the shrinking political space.

By fostering an environment of inclusivity, transparency, and equal opportunities for all political parties, South Sudan can take strides towards a truly democratic and representative electoral process.

The promotion of civic participation and the protection of political freedoms are essential for building a strong foundation for the future of the nation.