Nicholas Haysom, the UN’s top envoy to South Sudan, has expressed doubts that the East African country is ready to hold its first post-independence elections. Haysom informed the UN Security Council that the December 22 election date announced last month by the National Elections Commission may not be feasible due to unresolved critical issues. He admitted that the commission has made some progress, including registering 29 political parties and a detailed assessment of what is required to create a conducive environment for the elections. Nevertheless, he stated that significant concerns remain. One of these concerns is the recently passed security law, which grants the National Security Service the power to execute arrests without a warrant. Haysom also pointed to the country’s dire humanitarian and economic situation. He warned that these factors, taken together, could push the country to a tipping point during a crucial phase of nation-building.
SOURCE: AP NEWS
UN Envoy Doubts South Sudan’s Readiness for First Post-independence Elections
