Election Won't Fix South Sudan's Problem

President Salva Kiir should understand that, "Elections as per R-ARCSS, is contingent that can be hold upon full implementation of the agreement. Rushing for election without full implementation of the agreement, and special as he, the President continues to hold a key signatory to the agreement in detention, violates the agreement itself".

Therefore, calling for elections without full implementations of R-ARCSS that seeks to address the problems of conflicts, might even exacerbate the conflicts itself. For, our problems as a nation run deeper, and elections would only be a step forward as articulated in R-ARCSS, if there are unified and functional government, Security and stability, permanent constitution, Independent institutions (electoral commission, judiciary, etc.) and Respect for human rights and freedoms.

Without these fundamentals, any election that might be held, will not be credible, transparent or inclusive. It won't be a free and fair election as the Regime might manipulate the electoral system and process to legitimize the existing illegitimate government, which will fuel further conflict and violence.

Therefore, if President Salva Kiir is serious to find solutions to the problems as he always claims, instead of gearing for election, he should focus on fully Implementations of R-ARCSS, by first and foremost, releasing his Peace Partner, First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar whom he continues to illegal detain, and humiliate in political motivated court. Then, together as leadership of R-TGoNU, address the issues of humanitarian crises, build institutions and promote inclusive political dialogue, and reconciliation. Elections, as of now, is not the pressing issue, but the people's well-being, and stability.

*Gen. John Sunday Martin*
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