Overwhelming Support for Elections in South Sudan: UN Report
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Juba, Dec 24 (NationPress) More than 90 per cent of South Sudanese express their support for the long-anticipated elections that have been delayed twice due to unresolved issues, according to a survey released by the United Nations on Tuesday.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) conducted a perception survey that highlights the critical need for elections. The survey, unveiled in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, gathered opinions on various topics including the economy, security, peace, democracy, civic engagement, and the impact of UNMISS' operations.
While there is considerable backing for elections, participants identified several challenges that must be addressed, such as inadequate preparations, security concerns, political collaboration, and funding.
This survey, carried out in April and May with input from 2,231 individuals across 10 states, revealed that 78 per cent believe international assistance is essential for conducting peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
"As the nation gears up for its inaugural post-independence elections, it is vital for all parties, including governmental bodies and agencies, to foster a secure and inclusive atmosphere that allows for full and free participation in political, democratic, and nation-building activities," stated Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General's special representative and head of UNMISS.
The survey indicated that although 57 per cent of respondents think the media operates freely in South Sudan, 69 per cent feel that this freedom does not apply to the general public. Furthermore, 32 per cent reported that someone in their household had faced intimidation, threats, arrest, or violence for expressing their opinions, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
The survey also uncovered significant security issues, with 53 per cent of participants perceiving South Sudan as either very or somewhat unsafe.
Reviewing past UNMISS surveys, there was a noticeable rise in insecurity in 2023, with the percentage of respondents feeling unsafe jumping from 23 to 57 per cent. This figure slightly decreased to 52 per cent this year, yet concerns persist.
Regarding future peace, 77 per cent of those surveyed believe the situation is likely to either improve (44 per cent) or at least remain stable (33 per cent), while 11 per cent anticipate a deterioration.
The research also shows a decline in optimism for lasting peace, dropping from 92 per cent in 2020 to approximately 77 per cent over the past two years.
In evaluating UNMISS's efforts in South Sudan, 79 per cent of respondents feel that the mission is performing much better (24 per cent) or better (55 per cent) in terms of civilian protection, marking a 10 per cent improvement compared to 2023.
