Electoral Reform: R-ARCSS
Implementations
Electoral Reform – 2018
Under R-ARCSS, the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) must update the 2012 Political Parties Act to ensure it “complies with best practices for the free and democratic registration of Political Parties.”
No progress observed in 2018.
Electoral Reform – 2019
No progress observed in 2019.
Electoral Reform – 2020
Transition period started in February with the establishment of the RTGoNU, but no progress was reported with respect to the electoral reform.
Electoral Reform – 2021
The transition period started in February with the establishment of the RTGoNU, but no progress was reported with respect to the electoral reform. In particular, significant issues remained related to the National Election Acts, the Political Parties Act, the reconstitution of National Election Commissions, and the finalization of the armament constitution process.[1]
[1] On the Status of Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (1st October to 31st December 2021). Report no. 013/21. Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). 2 February 2022.
Electoral Reform – 2022
The reconstitution of National Election Commissions (NEC) did not happen due to lack of consensus on members of the NEC. While the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) reviewed the National Election Act of 2012, the draft amendment was submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in November 2022.[1] No further progress was reported.
[1] RJMEC report 014/2022; 015/2022; 016/2022; 017/2023.
Electoral Reform – 2023
On November 30, 2023, three institutions, particularly the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and the National Election Commission (NEC), were reconstituted. These institutions are critical for preparing for the December 2024 elections. While these institutions are just reconstituted and members appointed, many election-related tasks, such as voter registration, civic education, voter outreach, and publication of voter registry six months before elections, are yet to be initiated and completed.
It is also noteworthy to mention that the NEC did not meet the gender quota as required in the R-ARCSS. Only one of the nine NEC members is a woman.[1]
[1] RJMEC. 2024. On The Status of Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Report No. 021/23 (January 2024).