President Kiir Reopens Parliament Amid Political Uncertainties Over 2024 Elections in South Sudan
3 min read
President Kiir reopens the National Assembly in Juba, 04 April 2024
President Kiir Reopens National Assembly (TNLA) Amidst Political Uncertainty Over Permanent Constitution-Making and the 2024 General Elections in South Sudan
Thursday, 4 April 2024 (PW) — President Kiir reopens the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) in Juba amidst political uncertainty surrounding the adoption of a permanent constitution and the looming national elections in December 2024 in South Sudan.
Addressing the TNLA under the theme “Together building a better future through parliamentary consensus,” President Kiir called on citizens to prepare for the December 2024 general elections. He urged parties “to embrace a democratic way of solving issues amicably and shun political violence in all forms.” However, this call comes just weeks after his former rival turned deputy, Vice President Riek Machar, proposed a postponement of the elections to allow for adequate preparation.
President Kiir warned lawmakers “not to cling to power,” emphasizing that an extension of the transitional period would “deny citizens an opportunity to choose their leaders.” He urged parliament to pass the necessary laws to pave the way for the elections, as Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba assured that lawmakers would “redouble their efforts to ensure that all the prerequisites for elections are met.”
The path forward is clouded by legal and logistical challenges stemming from delays in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Justice Ruben Madol Arol Kachuol, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, outlined three possible scenarios: “Elections First, Constitution Later,” “Constitution First, Elections Later,” and “Extending the Transitional Period.”
In response, Justice Madol Arol Kachuol proposed a “Consensus Agreement” as a potential compromise solution, establishing guarantees for all parties should national elections precede the adoption of the Permanent Constitution. This approach acknowledges the principles of federal and democratic governance, ensuring peace, stability, national unity, and territorial integrity.
Amidst these political challenges, President Kiir outlined measures to address the economic crisis facing the nation, including diversifying revenue streams, increasing local production, and securing the supply of fuel and basic commodities. He directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security “to revive old agricultural schemes across the country in a bid to boost food production.” Additionally, he announced the completion of the Air Traffic Control System, which would facilitate the registration of airlines and collection of taxes.
South Sudan’s economic crisis has been exacerbated by the decline in oil exports after war-torn Sudan declared force majeure on oil shipments passing through the country. The fighting in Sudan has affected shipments destined for a terminal near Port Sudan along the Red Sea coast, further compounding the economic challenges.
As South Sudan navigates this critical juncture, constructive dialogue and consensus-building among all stakeholders remain essential to address the legal, political, and logistical challenges surrounding the adoption of a permanent constitution and the conduct of national elections. The choices made by the political leadership will shape the nation’s future and determine whether the aspirations of its citizens for peace, stability, and democratic governance are realized.
If you want to submit an opinion article, commentary, or news analysis, please email it to the editor: info@paanluelwel.com or paanluel2011@gmail.com. PaanLuel Wël Media (PW) website does reserve the right to edit or reject material before publication. Please include your full name, a short biography, email address, city, and the country you are writing from.
About Post Author
