A group of South Sudanese lawyers has promised to keep the public informed on legal matters regarding this year’s general elections.

As South Sudan begins gearing up for its first post-independence elections in December 2024, it’s now more vital than ever before for South Sudanese to be fully aware of the current political landscape as well as the status of outstanding benchmarks contained within the 2018 peace agreement.

Road to Elections Program, the group affirmed its commitment to play its part in ensuring the public is well informed about the election process.

James al-Tayib, a renowned senior lawyer, said: “The role of lawyers is paramount and basic in the conduct of the electoral process in any country or community. First, It is incumbent upon us because elections are run in accordance with the laws and the constitution.”

He emphasized that members of the legal fraternity have a duty to ensure the public understands legal aspects related to the elections scheduled for December.

“So, the first role, as lawyers, is creating awareness for the South Sudanese citizens to know rights incumbent upon them in the constitution and electoral laws and any other relevant laws,” al-Tayib said.

He said lawyers can help create a conducive legal atmosphere for every step in the electoral process by ensuring the polls are conducted within the laws.

“Lawyers are ready for the endorsement of candidates to represent their candidates in the endorsement process. But because some candidates are not legally informed, it is the right of every candidate to select their legal experts to pave the way for a credible electoral process,” al-Tayib said.

Dr Santo Yomon, another lawyer, said: “Every person has a right to vote for candidates of their choice. Select persons of your choice and vote for them. If your candidate wins, then congratulate the loser, and if yours loses, please do the same for the winner. There is only one seat, which will only be occupied by one person at a time.”

Also, Lawyer Atem Lonyjok said legal experts have a role in any elections. “Any election is based on laws. Every person who wishes to contest has the rights, and the process should be free and fair,” he added.