S. Sudan official accuses US of “bias” over election decision

January 19, 2015 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese official on Monday said the United States decision not to support the country's forthcoming elections showed its “bias” towards the world's youngest nation. South Sudan's information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said the polls would proceed with or without international community...

January 19, 2015 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese official on Monday said the United States decision not to support the country’s forthcoming elections showed its “bias” towards the world’s youngest nation.

South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, speak to reporters in Jonglei state capital Bor on 25 December 2014 (ST)

South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said the polls would proceed with or without international community funding.

“It is a biased decision [not to support election] and the government of South Sudan is going to proceed with the elections,” said Lueth.

US charge de affairs Charles Twining said on Friday that Washington will continue to support the ongoing peace process being mediated by East African regional leaders.

He further said the US will continue to directly fund humanitarians needs of those displaced in South Sudan, but said its people will have to decide what suits their interests.

Lueth, however, said the US could choose to support or stay away from the mid-2015 polls.

“If the United States government funds the election, it is welcome but if they decline, then it not our problem,” the minister said.

Abednego Akok Kacuol, the chairperson of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC), said the government approved SSP 1.5 billion (about half a billion dollars) was not enough to finance electoral processes. Akok urged the government to release that fund as quickly as possible to enable the commission commerce its work.

The polls have been regarded an impossibility by opposition parties and civil society activists, citing the conflict that has killed thousands and displaced about 1.8 million people.

(ST)