By Simon Deng
Several political parties are calling for reconstitution of political parties’ council to ensure speedy registration ahead of the 2023 national elections.
Ajiek Taban, the Chairperson for the African Independent Party said these remarks on Thursday during the end of the three-day dialogue for political parties organised by UN Women at Palm Africa Hotel in Juba.
“We want political parties to be registered so that they can be able to carry out rallies within the country, we have only 14 registered political parties out of the 68 political parties,” he disclosed.
Under the 2018 revitalized peace deal, the current transitional period ends in February next year of which afterwards the country will hold polls to aid the transition toward democratic political dispensation.
Randiwo Arkangelo, the Director of Planning in the Ministry of Peace Building, said lack of political will and limited political space is curtailing political participation and association.
“Some political parties lack the political will and are limiting political space to carry out activities and implement the peace agreement,” said Arkangelo.
He also said the absence of the Political Parties’ Act is also not aiding the smooth operations of political actors.
Arkangelo noted that insecurity in some parts of the country is hampering political parties’ ability to mobilize masses.
Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister for Peace Building, observed the need for political dialogue to replace the ever present culture of war.
Adding that political parties have constitutional right to exist and express their views.
“There is no point to lament lack of political space it is a constitutional right, you have to work within your rights guaranteed by the Constitutional Article on freedom of expression and association,” said Kuol.
Nyibol Deng Kiir, the Acting chairperson of Pure Party said that the political parties need to be registered and given political space, noting that the dialogue will enable parties to create program toward development.
“We want all political parties to be in unity in order to implement the peace agreement in letter and in spirit, there is no political space, the political parties could not engage through media,” said Kiir.
“We hope for the dialogue to continue to enable creation of programs and remove barriers to development, political parties need to work together and put aside conflict and encourage South Sudanese to resolve conflict among themselves,” she said.
