The COOP Rejects Extension of Transitional Government, Calls for Government of Technocrats

The leadership of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP), under the chairmanship of Dr. Gai Chol Paul, convened on January 18, 2024, to deliberate on the prevailing political landscape in South Sudan, with a particular focus on the impending elections and the potential extension of the transitional government. The meeting was attended by prominent members of COOP representing various political parties within the coalition. The meeting was marked by a comprehensive analysis of the country’s socio-political landscape, taking into account the aspirations and concerns of the citizens. After careful consideration and rigorous debate, COOP leadership unanimously agreed to reject the extension of the transitional government and instead called for an expedited election process and a government of technocrats should elections fail to take place.

The COOP leaders called for the expedited release of funds to enable key institutions such as the National Elections Commission, Political Parties Council, and National Constitution Review Commission to exercise their mandates immediately in preparation for upcoming elections.
“We, the leaders of COOP, are calling for expedited funding for the key institutions responsible for a free, fair, and credible election in South Sudan. We request peace grantors to pressure the RTGoNU to release funds for the National Elections Commission, Political Parties Council, and National Constitution Review Commission to enable these institutions to execute their mandate without delay.”

Recognizing the importance of free, fair, and credible elections in ensuring a democratic transition, COOP emphasizes the urgent need for these institutions to be adequately funded. Without the necessary financial resources, these crucial bodies may face limitations in carrying out their responsibilities effectively. By calling for the expedited release of funds, COOP aims to ensure that the National Elections Commission can properly oversee the electoral process, the Political Parties Council can facilitate the fair participation of all political groups, and the National Constitution Review Commission can undertake the necessary constitutional reforms to strengthen democratic institutions. This move by COOP underscores their commitment to a transparent and inclusive transition process that will pave the way for a stable and democratic future for the nation.

Should elections fail, the COOP leadership opted for the formation of a government comprised of technocrats who possess the necessary expertise and impartiality to steer the nation towards stability and progress. This decision was reached with the aim of ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and efficient governance system that can effectively address the challenges faced by South Sudan.
“In the event that the December 2024 election is not possible, we urge the peace grantors to facilitate an inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders in South Sudan. This dialogue should focus on forming a caretaker government led by technocrats, including members selected from civil society, professional associations, and academia.”

COOP emphasized the importance of a government of technocrats in promoting national unity, fostering economic development, and establishing a strong foundation for sustainable peace that will lead South Sudan to a peaceful transition of power.
“This temporary government will work towards creating a conducive environment for future elections that will pave the way for a peaceful transition of power.”

On November 11, 2022, the four South Sudanese non-violent political parties formed a coalition to empower the South Sudanese to pressure the R-TGoNU to implement peace as per the agreement. The political parties that formed the COOP include the People’s United Forum (PUF), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the Common People’s Alliance (CPA), and the African People’s Congress (APC).

The COOP is made up of non-violent parties that are not part of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), and its current membership includes the People’s United Forum (PUF), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), African People Congress (APC), Common People’s Alliance (CPA), Democratic Change (DC), Action for Democratic Change (ADC), Economic Freedom Fighters of South Sudan (EFFOSS), National Unity Alliance (NUA), and Federal Democratic Change (FDC).