UNMISS chief urged the South Sudan government to provide a date for the election.

As the transitional phase comes to an end, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan is urging the unity government to pick a date for general elections.

During a news conference in Juba, Nicholas Haysom said that an election schedule must be made available in advance if the international community is to determine how to help the process.

“The international community, which will be expected to assist the elections, needs to know when the elections are likely to take place so that we can synchronize and prioritize our support,” Mr. Haysom said during a press conference on Thursday.

The 2018 peace agreement requires the peace administration to hold elections sixty days before the present transitional term ends.

This is intended to pave the way for the formation of a democratically elected administration.

The sides have fewer than nine months before the transitional phase ends, according to the peace deal.

“But if we don’t have a date, nobody will truly commit to supporting elections, and South Sudanese will not get into the state of mind that is required for polls to be conducted,” the peacekeeping officer said.

Haysom further said that the UN Agency would prefer elections in the country to be a uniting force rather than a source of contention.

The agreement anticipates that the permanent constitution will be drafted and approved before a new National Elections Commission conducts the elections.

It further specifies that the Parliament must study and pass the Political Parties Act of 2012.

This is to allow for the open and democratic registration of political parties across the nation.

The parliament debated the proposal two weeks ago and controversially passed it, despite opposition MPs’ outrage.

Parliamentarians, mostly from the SPLM-IO, argued that several provisions of the Political Parties Act had been weakened.

Speaker Jemma Nunu, on the other hand, said that the subject has been sent to the president.

Furthermore, the administration has failed to re-establish an election commission, graduate the unified force, and undertake critical judicial and economic reforms, among other things.

President Salva Kiir promised residents in November last year that, despite delays in peace implementation, general elections will be held in 2023 as scheduled.

However, the First Vice President, Dr. Riak Machar, has already said that there would be no fair and free elections next year until crucial aspects of the 2018 peace agreement are completely implemented.

Lam Akol, the head of the National Democratic Movement, has also expressed doubts about the country’s ability to organize a free and fair election.

The unity administration has failed to unite and graduate former combatants, return refugees and displaced individuals, and undertake a population census.

When asked about these issues, Nicholas Haysom maintains that elections may still be held provided the government fosters an environment conducive to a healthy and competitive political process.

“We especially hope that the parties will establish an official election schedule.” Not only is technical and logistical preparation required for elections to take place. A free and open political atmosphere is also essential.

“This entails making room for a vibrant and competitive political process to take place, one that promotes nation building rather than division.” The consequence of delay, on the other hand, is seen in the continued discontent throughout the nation.”

The US Embassy in Juba reiterated last month the need of South Sudanese officials creating a suitable atmosphere for general elections if the Biden Administration is to assist the exercise.

Former US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Renz said that the US administration wants major aspects of the 2018 peace accord fully implemented.