In a significant step towards maintaining peace and fairness in the forthcoming national elections, South Sudan's political parties have agreed on a Code of Conduct. This crucial development took place during a pivotal event on April 4th, hosted by the reconstituted Political Parties Council of South Sudan. The gathering brought together leaders from various political factions and representatives from civil society to endorse the new regulations that aim to guide their actions during the electoral process.

United Efforts for a Peaceful Election

Ismail Wais, the Special Envoy to South Sudan from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), emphasized the importance of the Code of Conduct. "The adoption of the Code of Conduct comes at a critical time," Wais stated. He highlighted its necessity as "an essential ingredient for peaceful elections," which will help clarify permissible behaviors and enforce accountability for any actions that deviate from the agreed standards.

Support for the initiative was strong among international stakeholders, with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) playing a supportive role in the forum. Joram Biswaro, the ambassador of the African Union mission in South Sudan, acknowledged the encouragement from UNMISS and other entities. "UNMISS and the other stakeholders encourage us to support this process to the extent that we are here to see this Code of Conduct today being validated,” Biswaro remarked.

Juba's Preparations for a Fair Electoral Process

As the capital city, Juba is at the forefront of achieving peace benchmarks necessary for conducting the first national elections since the 2018 peace agreement. The city is focused on establishing the necessary technical, logistical, operational, and political frameworks to ensure a fair and equitable voting process.

The Role of UNMISS and Regional Partners

Consistent with its mandate, UNMISS, along with regional partners, regularly engages in consultations with political parties. These discussions aim to address unresolved issues and foster trust among the political entities, reinforcing the mission's ongoing commitment to support South Sudan’s peace processes.

Importance of Public Participation

The success of South Sudan's democratic journey heavily depends on broad public engagement in the peace processes and a vibrant, competitive political landscape. The establishment of a fair electoral system and adherence to the newly adopted Code of Conduct are seen as vital components in paving the way for a peaceful and democratic future.

South Sudan stands at a crucial juncture, and the cooperation and commitment demonstrated by its political leaders and international supporters are hopeful signs of a peaceful electoral period ahead.