Under the prevailing circumstances, it’s odd, if not absurd for an institution of any setting to hesitate in elections which will determine the future of the nation.

South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), an umbrella of political parties, a signatory to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, is not extraordinary to sway within vows.

The December 2024 elections is the fourth stage of metamorphosis of South Sudan, like Referendum and the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that preceded 2011 Independence. It’s a crucial landmark, transiting the country into a democratic nation.

An election is not all about choosing leaders but more of empowering and entrusting citizens with a collective responsibility through sound judgement to take decisions to surrender their consent to be led. To accept to submit to leadership in Free Will through free and fair choice of the leaders to oversee affairs of the country for the next 5 years.

SSOA has voiced out its side but we expect other political parties to do the same regardless of whether they will participate or not. Yes, other parties may register and choose to remain inactive in elections but active in highlighting issues of the country till next time they decide to flex up their political muscles with the rest.

However, it is vital to exercise one’s democratic rights rather than bickering of bad leadership while inactive on benches.

One political philosopher stated that “bad leaders are chosen by good citizens who deliberately refuse to participate in voting for good leaders” in democratic elections.

Our recorders are loaded with batteries to capture the voices of other parties.

Let citizens decide in democratic elections, for peace.