UNMISS calls for tangible evidence of progress towards democratic elections in South Sudan

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is urging political leaders to make critical political decisions and achieve key outstanding tasks in the peace deal to ensure the fourth extension of the transitional period is the last and that democracy is delivered.Briefing the UN Security Council, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, said the clock on the extension is already ticking.“The international community needs tangible evidence that this country’s leaders and political elite are genuinely committed to a democratic future.”Mr. Haysom highlighted six key areas that parties could immediately address, including deploying Necessary Unified Forces, civic education, preparing for voter registration, amending the National Security Services Bill, a code of conduct between political parties, civil society, and media, and electoral security.Meanwhile, UNMISS is moving ahead with support to the National Elections Commission, including infrastructure, programmatic activities, and capacity building as well as driving initiatives to enhance the civic and political space alongside civil society organizations.“This cannot be business as usual for the parties to the peace agreement, the political elite, the guarantors of the peace agreement or the international community,” said Mr. Haysom. “We must collectively seize the opportunity to make this extension the last and deliver the peace and democracy that the people of South Sudan deserve.”--Contact: UNMISS Spokesperson at unmiss-spokesperson@un.org