Senior members of the SPLM-IO say transparent, free and credible elections can only occur once key provisions of the peace agreement are effectively implemented. Oyet Nathaniel Perino, SPLM-IO deputy chairperson, emphasized the need for the prerequisites for fair elections, saying "The SPLM-IG and the SPLM-IO must dialogue and find a way forward."
However, Peter Lam Both, secretary general of the SPLM-IG, or in-government, faction led by President Salva Kiir, dismissed these concerns. "There is nothing that can stop the elections from taking place," he said. Both parties exchange accusations, with SPLM-IO alleging the governing faction of blocking the SPLM-IO’s ability to share its message, but the SPLM-IG rejects that allegation.
Perino highlighted access restrictions for SPLM-IO politicians, alleging denied entry to administrative areas and hampered rally organization. Lam countered, accusing SPLM-IO of similar restrictions for the ruling faction in some areas governed by the SPLM-IO.
Zahara Saed, executive director for the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections, or SSuNDE, urged peace deal signatories to prioritize its implementation, noting the suffering of South Sudanese.
“Since the birth of South Sudan, we have never gone for elections. We have a bloated government,” she said. “For how long are we going to have a bloated government? For how long are our civil servants' salaries going to be delayed because of the bloated government?"
South Sudanese lawyer Wani Steven emphasized the need for elections to establish new leadership, saying, "The people of South Sudan want to choose who are supposed to lead them."
Parties to the peace deal extended the transitional government’s period for two years, aiming to complete key provisions before December 2024.