By Ijoo Bosco
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is conducting a two-day forum in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, to promote civic and political space in the lead-up to the December 2024 general elections.
Opening the forum, State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Abdalla Oting commended UNMISS for educating stakeholders on critical election issues.
“This is a crucial forum,” Oting said. “We need true openness. Let’s discuss the current situation in Juba. Will it lead us towards successful elections, rebuilding the country, promoting lasting peace? Let’s carry this message of peace from Torit to the counties, payams, and bomas”.
“We must discuss these matters and prepare to meet the demands for a successful election. Remember, we are all brothers. This forum is for sharing ideas about the future election” he added.
Minister Oting stressed the importance of open dialogue among participants to foster a conducive environment for the elections.
The forum brought together representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and security forces in Eastern Equatoria to discuss strategies for a peaceful election.
Tahir Cevik, UNMISS Civil Affairs Division team leader in Torit, urged political actors to promote civic education among citizens.
“As political actors, we must ensure an enabling environment for all citizens to cast their votes peacefully,” Cevik said.
“Civic education must go hand-in-hand with creating free space for people to exercise their right to vote. This is a turning point for us” he hinted.