The ‘permanent’ Constitution need not be a prerequisite for holding elections in South Sudan
Publication Summary
On March 1st, 2022, the Sudd Institute – one of Africa’s top think-tanks based in Juba, South Sudan, published a Weekly Review entitled’ Democratic Elections in South Sudan. In that review, Dr Augustino T. Mayai, Prof Matthew LeRiche and William Underwood, a PhD student, raised emerging arguments against holding elections without certain precursors being put in place. In brief, they:
- Argue that certain fundamentals (election laws, adoption of a ‘permanent’ Constitution, population census, security sector reforms, return and resettlement of the displaced and refugees, political parties’ registration) have not been put in place;
- Contend that while these milestones are important, ‘the process, credibility, and associated legitimacy the elections need to produce are the most important elements rather than precise timing’; and
- Recommend open and transparent dialogue on elections including ‘opinion polling’ to gather and synthesise public perspectives on the elections process.
I applaud the authors and concur with their views expressed in that Weekly Review. This Review, therefore, complements these perspectives and recommendations on whether elections should be held.
Joseph Geng Akech is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Juba. He holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in constitutional law, and he has published widely in constitutional designs, human rights, and transitional justice. He may be reached on e-mail: josephgakech@gmail.com.