Presidency Defends December Elections, Liberation Legacy
Credit: AFP, Creator: PETER LOUIS GUMEU
South Sudan’s Office of the President has defended the country’s planned December elections and rejected what it described as attempts to rewrite the history of the liberation struggle for political purposes.
In a press statement dated Aug. 23, the presidency said it had taken note of recent statements questioning the electoral process and making claims about the liberation generation, national leadership and the country’s political direction.
The office said it respects the right to criticize the government and participate in national debate but urged political actors to base their arguments on facts, consistency and respect for the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.
As South Sudan prepares for the planned December elections, the presidency questioned what it described as changing positions among political leaders who previously demanded elections but now appear opposed to the process.
The statement said some of those who had criticized President Salva Kiir Mayardit over previous election postponements were serving in senior government positions at the time and benefited from the political arrangements they criticized.
“Elections should not be feared by anyone who genuinely believes in democracy,” the presidency said, arguing that government opponents should present their case to voters while supporters of the current leadership should also be free to defend their record.
The office said the ultimate decision should rest with South Sudanese voters rather than political elites, government officials or political rhetoric.
The statement also rejected what it called attempts to portray South Sudan’s liberation struggle as the achievement of only a select group of individuals.
It said President Kiir was a senior member of the liberation struggle and a longtime comrade of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, adding that his role in the liberation movement and subsequent leadership of South Sudan should not be erased from the country’s history.
The presidency said the liberation struggle was collective and should serve as a source of national unity rather than political division.
It also called for greater recognition and support for veterans and former liberation fighters, saying their contributions and sacrifices should be honored and not used as political weapons.
The presidency said South Sudan’s December elections present an opportunity to return political choice to citizens through the ballot box after years of conflict, displacement and political uncertainty.
It called on political leaders, political parties, civil society organizations, the media and citizens to conduct the electoral debate peacefully and responsibly.
“Let those who seek leadership make their case, those who seek change present their alternatives, and those who support the government defend its record,” the statement said.
The Office of the President reiterated its commitment to what it described as a peaceful, orderly and democratic electoral process and called on South Sudanese to protect national unity, stability and sovereignty as the country moves toward the December polls.
