Briefing ambassadors on the Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix mentioned that if the events show higher political will and make investments ample sources, credible elections can nonetheless happen earlier than the top of the transition interval.
“Regardless of the shortcomings in implementation, the peace settlement did instill a interval of stability on the nationwide degree and introduced opponents who fought two civil wars to the desk and enabled them to manipulate from inside a Authorities of Nationwide Unity (GNU),” he defined.
“It’s now time for all to come back collectively to construct on this achievement. Peaceable conduct and implementation of the end result of the elections ought to, subsequently, be a shared strategic purpose of all stakeholders,” he added.
‘Solely viable framework’
Throughout his briefing, Beneath-Secretary-Normal Lacroix highlighted that the peace settlement stays the “solely viable framework” to attain peace and stability in South Sudan.
In that context, he pressured the that was “crucial” to harmonize the UN place on key political points with these of the east African regional growth bloc IGAD and the African Union (AU).
With each IGAD and the AU having expressed assist for the elections the UN “will, subsequently, provide as a lot assist as potential according to its mandate,” he mentioned, stressing the significance of getting the requisite structure to make sure that polls are peaceable and credible.
“As issues stand, South Sudan just isn’t prepared for elections and rather a lot must be accomplished. However as acknowledged within the Secretary-Normal’s report, if the events show political will and well timed make investments ample sources, credible elections can nonetheless happen earlier than the top of the transition interval,” he added.
‘A myriad of things’
Mr. Lacroix additional famous {that a} myriad of things will possible have an effect on elections in South Sudan.
“A fledgling economic system has intensified fights over sources and led to excessive unemployment notably impacting the youth,” he mentioned, noting additionally political competitors amongst the ruling elite, elevated inter communal clashes and the added pressure inflicted by the inflow of these escaping the battle in neighboring Sudan.
These elements contribute to the evaluation that elections, when held, could happen in an surroundings of heightened tensions and restricted civic and political area within the nation, he cautioned.
“Due to this fact, if not managed rigorously, they carry the potential for violence with disastrous penalties for an already fragile nation and the broader area,” he mentioned.
