Ambassador Timothy Olkkonen, EU Ambassador to South Sudan speaks at a press conference in Juba. (Photo: Obaj Okuj) - January 30, 2023

The European Union in South Sudan says it is ready to support the country’s upcoming general election in 2024.

EU Ambassador to South Sudan made the statement after the government wrote to the UN Mission in South Sudan, requesting electoral assistance ahead of the anticipated 2024 elections.

The EU ambassador to South Sudan Timo Olkkonen said the plan for supporting elections in South Sudan is part of their support to good governance.

Olkkonen state that the EU has already set out plans to help in the electoral process in the upcoming general elections.

“There’s a plan indeed, like I mentioned here in the signing ceremony, governance support of peace and rule of law is one of priority the European Union has in its developmental cooperation in South Sudan for general running from 2021 until 2027 and within that framework,” he said.

He said EU electoral support will be through the United Nations and civil society in the areas of voter education and empowering the citizens to participate in the election process.

Olkkonen, however, did not mention much details about the European Union’s support.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Monday, the EU diplomat said he is looting to a UN-led coordination of donor’s support to the elections.

“We are also planning to support South Sudan in the election so it will part of our governance support. I cannot speak about numbers because the UN has recently got a report for support to the government.”

“What we are looking forward to now, is UN-led coordination of efforts of the donor supports to the election and what is also very important to have an overfull budget those elections and know much it overrule will cost.”

The 2018 peace deal mandates the transitional government to organize elections sixty days before the end of the transitional period, which has been extended for another two years.

Prerequisite to the election, the agreement expects the permanent constitution to be completed and enacted before a new National Elections Commission organizes the polls.

With the extension of the transitional period, the election is expected to be held next year.