The National Election Commission (NEC) of South Sudan is grappling with significant challenges as it prepares for the upcoming elections, particularly related to the civic and political space within the country. During a recent workshop held in Juba, Gabriel Deng, the Deputy Chairperson of the NEC, presented the commission's strategies to tackle these pressing issues.
"Allow me, on behalf of the National Election Commission, to share some thoughts on civic and political space as it pertains to elections," Deng stated, setting the tone for what was to be an insightful session. The need for enabling environments for civic engagement and equitable political participation has never been more urgent, especially considering South Sudan's turbulent history intertwining with electoral processes.
Reflecting on past elections, Deng noted the series of challenges faced during the 2010 electoral period and placed them against the backdrop of broader issues affecting the electoral processes across Africa. These challenges include persistent restrictions on freedom of expression, media limitations, human rights violations, and the widespread apathy of voters. He indicated these factors could lead to weakened institutions and reinforce the culture of impunity, which often silences dissent and undermines democratic principles.
One of the more controversial legislative issues identified by Deng is the National Security Act, which he criticized for creating barriers to accountability. The regulation requires citizens to seek permission from the Ministry of Justice before suing government bodies or officials, effectively placing additional limitations on legal recourse. “This implies there are significant gaps when it concerns public accountability,” Deng highlighted, addressing concerns shared by civil society organizations and political parties present at the workshop.
To counter these challenges, the NEC is actively implementing steps intended to improve the integrity of the electoral process. Recently, the commission held a strategic retreat aimed at identifying potential hurdles to credible elections and approved several important documents directing its operations. Central among these is the NEC Code of Conduct, which establishes ethical and professional standards for NEC officials. This is coupled with regulations for stakeholders such as observers, media, and party agents, all meant to reinforce the integrity of the elections.
“Free and fair elections are impossible without active participation from observers and the media,” Deng emphasized, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability across all aspects of the electoral process. The newly established guidelines will serve as blueprints for all stakeholders, detailing their responsibilities and roles within the framework of the upcoming elections.
Participants at the workshop raised concerns over issues related to accountability, signaling the need for the adherence to defined codes of conduct across the political spectrum to assure the public of the electoral credibility. The NEC highlighted the necessity for collective action among stakeholders, including political parties and civil society, asserting, "It is imperative to strengthen our collaboration to tackle challenges impacting civic spaces,” Deng added, urging all involved to strive for enhanced engagement to facilitate credible elections.
Stressing the importance of fostering environments conducive to open discourse, Deng remarked, “Given the state of democracy and governance, enabling freedom of expression is fundamental to addressing the myriad of challenges we face.” His statement captured the essence of the need for reform as South Sudan navigates its complex political terrain, particularly as the call for greater civic engagement becomes increasingly evident.
Attention now remains on how effectively the NEC will mesh its internal reforms with external stakeholder cooperation to address the systemic hurdles present. The road to the elections may be fraught with difficulties, but the commitment of the NEC and its partners signals hope for overcoming them.
For the upcoming elections, scrutiny of the NEC's actions, its responses to criticism, and its ability to promote and protect civic rights will be pivotal. The commission's endeavors to create transparent processes, combat apathy, and bolster public trust will significantly influence the electoral climate leading up to the polls.
