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WHAT WILL ELECTIONS BRING IF THE SAME PEOPLE IN POWER RETURN TO POWER?

ELECTIONS! ELECTIONS! THAT IS A NEW SONG BY THE SPLM

Fair elections involve competition among opposition parties that act as checks and balances. A fair election is free, inclusive, free from intimidation, and conducted through a transparent and participatory process. Such elections are only possible where a democratic multiparty system exists. South Sudanese politicians are insisting on holding elections. While elections are a good idea, they are difficult to conduct successfully when a single party drives the process without adequate preparations.

What will elections bring if the same people in power return to power without being fairly elected? This is the question this article seeks to address.

Will President Kiir bring new development if the people re-elect him? We all know that President Kiir has been in power for 21 years since 2005, except for those born after that year. His performance over these 21 years does not justify the argument that elections alone will bring peace and development. If he has not achieved major milestones during this period, how can he do so if citizens return him to office again? There is little logic in calling for elections without creating adequate political space for the opposition. The people most likely to bring change are often those facing pressure and restrictions from the ruling party.

Will Governor Lobong stop corruption and the mismanagement of Kapoeta Gold if the people return him as governor of Eastern Equatoria State? Children born in 2010 and later may think Governor Lobong is a monarch who answers only to God. Throughout his tenure, Eastern Equatoria has struggled to point to major achievements apart from humanitarian and development projects. While interstate roads are national projects, inter-county roads are the responsibility of the state government and should be developed by the governor. Despite the resources available in Torit, people still contribute money for road development in addition to the taxes they pay. With this in mind, it is difficult to believe that the same governor wants to be re-elected to lead people whom he has failed to convince. How would his return to power change the current situation?

Will the SPLM, as the mother party, stop misleading people and making empty promises if citizens elect it again? Many believe that the real SPLM died with its key founder, Dr Garang. This may sound controversial, but many people see some truth in this claim. The same SPLM party that has led the country for more than two decades continues to promote elections that are expected to take place in December 2026. Does the SPLM realise that the calendar already reads June and that only six months remain? After ruling the country for over 21 years, there are few lasting achievements that the party can proudly point to. How can it perform better if the people return it to power when it has struggled to account for its record?

In conclusion, as one travels across the country, it is clear that many citizens are prepared for elections with the hope of electing new leaders. However, this appears unlikely because there is clear evidence of an unfair electoral process. Elections cannot be meaningful when the country remains volatile, opposition parties lack adequate space for political engagement, and people live in fear of intimidation. Even if President Kiir, Governor Lobong, or the wider SPLM leadership return to power, there may be little change if the conditions remain the same. If elections are to be held, there must be freedom for political expression, transparent processes, and equal opportunities for all participants.

End. 


Sir Abunerry

Writer, Critic, and Poet. 

 

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