RJMEC warns political disputes, security gaps threaten December elections

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has warned that South Sudan’s planned December elections face credibility risks due to unresolved political disputes and incomplete security reforms. The peace monitoring body says key tasks under the Revitalized Peace Agreement remain unfinished, with only two months left before the planned December 22 elections. RJMEC says disagreements among political parties over the legal and political process for the elections could undermine public confidence in the vote and the country’s political transition. The commission has also questioned the government’s decision to amend the peace agreement without following the procedures outlined in the deal.

It says the proposed amendments were not approved by at least two-thirds of voting members, as required under Article 8. 4 of the agreement. On political dialogue, RJMEC says the status of the inter-party dialogue launched in September remains unclear. It notes that some political groups, including allies of detained and exiled SPLM/A-IO leaders, did not participate. The commission has called for inclusive dialogue involving all signatories to the peace agreement and groups that have not signed it. Security remains another major concern ahead of the elections. RJMEC warns that continued armed clashes, intercommunal violence and incomplete security arrangements could affect voter registration, campaigning and the safety of candidates and voters. It says these challenges could also undermine public acceptance of the election results. The report also highlights delays in…