IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais [Photo by IGAD/GETTY IMAGES]

The IGAD’s Special Envoy for South Sudan has called on the Government to swear-in the appointed officials of the National Elections Commission and Constitutional Review Commission to assume their duties.

President Salva Kiir reconstituted the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Political Parties’ Council (PPC) on November 3, 2023.

The restructuring of the electoral commissions in line with the 2018 peace deal, follows relentless civil society appeals.

But since then, only officials of the Political Parties Council were sworn in, although the institutions are outlined in the 2018 peace deal as prerequisite to the conduct of free, fair and credible polls.

IGAD envoy Dr. Ismail Wais said swearing-in the remaining officials will enhance South Sudan’s electoral preparedness as the country is expected to go to polls in December 2024.

According to Dr. Wais, oath taking does not cost financial resources and urged the government to swear the other officials to pave the way for the elections.

He made the remarks during a dialogue aimed at raising consensus building on elections and organized by CEPO and UNMISS.

According to the 2018 pact, the President, in consultation with the Parties, and with the approval of the parliament, shall reconstitute a competent and impartial National Elections Commission to conduct elections, no later than twelve months after the commencement of the Transitional Period.