The IDPs have communicated their willingness to boycott the election, highlighting the need for the government to prioritize the implementation of the security reforms specified in the peace accord. James Lam Gatdet, secretary of the youth, underscored their stance, emphasizing that the absence of adequate security measures poses a significant obstacle to holding a credible election.
He stated, "The problems that will prevent people from going to the election are related to the security that needs to be provided now so that people can participate in the election. If there is no adequate security, the election is at risk."
The delay in implementing security reforms and the challenging benchmarks outlined in the agreement have raised doubts among many citizens regarding the readiness of South Sudan for the election. Kerbino Thudan expressed similar concerns, suggesting that the government should prioritize the resettlement and reintegration of IDPs and refugees before proceeding with the electoral process.
While some citizens express the belief that elections could empower South Sudanese to make informed decisions, IDP Mary Nyaluak Riak disagreed with the call for a boycott. She believes that elections, if conducted under peaceful conditions, could be an essential step toward ending the conflict and advancing the country.
The issue of humanitarian needs has also come to the forefront, triggered by the suspension of food distribution by the World Food Program in the Bentiu UN-run camp in July 2023 due to a global funding crisis. James Tot Riak, a leader in the IDP camp, vehemently rejected the idea of holding elections without first addressing the pressing humanitarian concerns of the displaced population.
He emphasized, "There are people dying, and they were told to go for the election. First, bring us food so that we can vote. No one can effectively participate in elections while suffering from hunger."
Pia Philip, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Peacebuilding, recognized the IDPs' constitutional right to express their reservations regarding the election and their potential participation in it. She emphasized that the government is committed to the implementation of security reforms before the general election is conducted. Philip urged citizens to exercise patience, recognizing that security sector reform is a complex and ongoing process.
The roadmap for extending the transitional period stipulates the conduct of elections by December 2024, placing the unity government under the pressure to address the concerns of IDPs and implement security reforms swiftly.