Changjwok Jr.

Revisiting the Lomin Warning: South Sudan's Ongoing Challenge of Elections Without a Constitution and Census.

Last October, I sounded the alarm about the dangers of holding elections in South Sudan using outdated data from the 2010 population census and 2008 constituencies. Unfortunately, not much has changed since then, and the country is still facing the same challenges. As a concerned citizen, I can't help but feel like we're stuck in a loop, reliving the same challenges over and over again.

We're standing at a crossroads, and the future of our country is hanging in the balance. We're being asked to hold elections without a permanent constitution or a credible population census. It's a recipe for disaster, and the stakes couldn't be higher. I remember the pain and suffering of our past conflicts, and I don't want to see us go back to those dark days.

I think about the mothers who lost their children in the conflict, the families who were displaced, and the young people who were denied an education. We can't afford to fail them. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our country to get this right.

Without a constitution, we're essentially flying blind. We're leaving room for power struggles and disputes that could boil over into violence. A constitution is more than just a document – it's a promise to our people, a commitment to protect their rights and ensure accountable governance.

The lack of a population census is equally concerning. How can we ensure fair representation and accurate voter registration without knowing who we are and where we live? It's like trying to build a house without a foundation – it simply won't stand.

Our history is marked by conflict and resilience. Let's not risk undoing the progress we've made so far. Premature elections without these essential prerequisites could reignite tensions, deepen divisions, and push us back into the abyss.

The Way Forward: A Path to Stability and Progress

So, what's the way forward? First, we need to prioritize the drafting and adoption of a permanent constitution that reflects our aspirations and values. This process should be inclusive, transparent, and participatory, involving all stakeholders, including civil society, opposition parties, and marginalized groups.

Second, we need to expedite the conduct of a credible population census, which will provide the necessary data for fair representation, voter registration, and equitable resource allocation.

Finally, we need to engage in a national dialogue to address the root causes of conflict, promote reconciliation, and build trust.

Let's work together to build a brighter future for South Sudan. We can do this! We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our country to get this right.

“The Children of our "liberators" have taken over. They don't wear red clothes, for this is only preserved for SPLM's followers.” 🙆🏿🙆🏿

~Mabior Riiny Lual