Hon. Kim Gai Ruot, a member of the East Africa Legislative Assembly in Arusha Tanzania - COURTESY

South Sudan does not need elections just because the transitional period is ending. Elections should be a way to build legitimacy and stability they should not be used to remove leaders, fight political enemies, or control the money and resources of the government and the party.

There are serious concerns that some people who are calling for elections want to use them to remove President Salva Kiir Mayardit and create problems between him and the international and regional community, and take control of state resources and party resources these concerns should not be ignored by President.

Since the transitional period is now very close to its end, with only about six weeks remaining, the first priority should be to save the peace agreement before rushing into elections if important parts of the peace agreement have not been fully implemented, holding elections now could create another political crisis instead of bringing stability.

The issue of suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar must also be addressed. In my view, the charges against him should be withdrawn as soon as possible through the proper legal and political process, legal issues are not solved legally, they are solved politically.

We know that some political crises are solved through political agreements, not only through courts. His return to his position under the peace agreement, or another political and legal agreement, could help rebuild trust and strengthen the transitional government.

At the same time, the President needs to remove reckless and irresponsible people around him who are putting the country at risk. The Tumaini Initiative talks should resume immediately any extension of the peace agreement should be agreed upon through consultation and consensus among the parties that signed the agreement, not by one side alone.

President Salva Kiir also needs to reorganize the government and the party he should choose competent, honest and patriotic people who have the trust of the people, the President, and the regional and international community. South Sudan needs leaders who understand the international and regional situation and put the interests of the country above personal interests.

The fact that some western diplomatic missions are gradually leaving the country should not be ignored. They are friends of South Sudan their departure is a warning that something is seriously wrong and must be addressed now, especially by the President and those around him.

South Sudan needs a new political understanding based on peace, agreement and reforms after that, we can have free, peaceful and credible elections when the right conditions are ready in 2040 inshallah. Elections at the cost of peace are not a solution. They could simply open the door to another crisis.

Editor Note: Hon. Kim Gai Ruot (MP) is a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) — Arusha , and the views expressed herein are solely those of the author. You can reach Hon Kim Gai on this email address:  kimgairuot@gmail.com