Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of UN Mission in South Sudan addresses a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, 28th Sept 2022. Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary General said the government has not made any arrangement which may allow over a million South Sudanese living in refugees’ camps in the region to vote in the upcoming elections.

Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said he believes elections in South Sudan are still possible, if the parties have the political will to put in place necessary preparations.

Hayoms said UNMISS has put forth 10 critical questions to be answered by the South Sudan government for the elections to take place, including a provision for refugees to cast their votes.

“One of those questions concerns the arrangements for refugees to vote. Which is to say that no provision has actually been concretely developed,” Haysom said.

“But that we put it on the list, and I believe that the political stakeholders, political parties and signatories will have to discuss this question.”

Mr. Haysom pointed out that the 2018 agreement contemplates that refugees will be able to vote, although it provides no clear pathway for the displaced to exercise their democratic rights.

“The question is, in what way? Will they be required to return to vote? Will there be provision for them to vote where they are? So, the answer strictly is it will be an important question to be resolved.”

“As far as we can tell, it hasn’t been resolved at this stage.”

Haysom spoke at a press conference which concluded the visit of the Chief of UN peacekeeping operations to meet South Sudan stakeholders and address key issues surrounding the upcoming elections as well as the conflict between communities in Warrap and Abyei Administrative Area.

South Sudan is expected to hold its first general elections later this year, as agreed upon by parties to the revitalized peace agreement, when they extended the transitional period for 24-months in August 2022.

However, critical provisions necessary for elections in the peace deal, including the security arrangement and the constitutional making process, remain pending.

Some opposition parties have questioned the country’s readiness for such exercise, citing the unimplemented electoral provisions and lack of political and civic space.

UNMISS boss Haysom said the current situation in South Sudan requires the best organized elections, which take political will and appropriate preparations.

He said further that the UN agencies encourages the South Sudan government to “do everything possible to ensure the elections are not an excuse to trigger for renewed violence.”