Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, The Chairperson of RJMEC - File Photo/RJMEC

The peace monitoring body R-JMEC is calling on the unity government to support an inclusive multi-party dialogue to overcome mistrust and suspicion, ahead of the 2024 general elections, the interim chairperson has said.

Charles Tai Gituai says mistrust often obstructs pragmatic dialogue on national political concerns.

He added that the stability and effectiveness of a political party system are not only determined by its legal framework but by the checks and balances within the system, and the parties’ organizations and general democratic practices within the party.

According to the retired Kenyan national officer, the stability and effectiveness of political parties hinge upon the existence of mechanisms for parties to engage in interparty dialogue and cooperation, especially in a post-conflict situation.

He said the revitalized peace agreement requires that the elections birth a democratically elected government and should be free, fair, credible, and reflect the will of the electorate.

He was speaking during the political parties’ forum on the code of conduct of political parties/elections organized by the UN mission in South Sudan in Juba this morning.

“It is essential to support inclusive multi-party dialogues to help parties overcome mistrust and suspicion, which often obstruct pragmatic dialogue on national political concerns,” said Gituai.

“A multiparty system cannot function effectively in a country emerging from a post-conflict situation when there is no willingness to discuss divergent views, where trust is eroded and no one party is willing to seek consensus and mutual understanding,” he said.

However, Gituai further pointed out that political parties’ development and multiparty dialogues are necessary steps towards the creation of stable and democratic political systems.

He added that a democratic system can be conducive to development, the protection of human rights, conflict prevention, and resolution of conflict. 

Gituai went on to say credible elections and election processes are a vital cornerstone in the laying of the foundation for a united, peaceful, and prosperous South Sudan.

He said actions such as engaging in hostile propaganda or hate speech including on social media to foment ethnic or secretion hatred are prohibited, adding that violent actions such as attacking the civilian population, and sexual and gender-based violence are also strictly prohibited.

Gituai said parties are also required to take specific positive measures such as protection of the media, civil society, and the most vulnerable population in the Transitional Period.