The High-Level Committee for the Implementation of the 2018 Peace Agreement and the Roadmap stated that it is debating constitutional issues that will be relevant to the general elections in December.
Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, a committee member, told reporters shortly after the committee’s meeting in Juba that the idea will be presented to many stakeholders since South Sudan need a political choice regarding which constitution to employ during the elections.
“We can offer suggestions to be brought before the relevant parties, academics, civic society, faith-based organisations, and stakeholders. Dr. Elia stated, “We will hold a conference to go over what we have done and then pose questions, such what the things are that will lead to elections in 2024.
The present transitional constitution, waiting for a new one to be established, or amending the current one and using it in the polls are the topics of discussion, according to cabinet affairs minister Dr. Elia.
“The fundamental question is whether we should change the current statute and constitution or wait for a permanent one. As political parties, we shall talk about it. I don’t think there is a problem with utilising the South Sudanese Transitional Constitution, and I don’t think we can’t agree on the kind and quantity of ballots that will be used in the elections. Politicians must make decisions on these matters if the nation is to advance, according to Elia.
According to Elia, the committee discussed the state of the peace agreement’s implementation and noted that, aside from the constitution’s preparation, which will take 16 to 20 months to finish, Chapter One’s implementation is nearly finished.
He added that the National Elections Act should be amended in order to bring it into compliance with the permanent constitution and that the constitutional court should be established. He emphasised that the electoral commission is now legally in charge of carrying out Chapter One.
“The procedure is being taken over by the National Elections Commission. The roadmap also suggests that the National Elections Commission be given official legal control over the electoral process. Along with pre-election activity, it has internal governance requirements, administration, and other difficulties. The commission is currently in charge of this and is awaiting a political decision from the parties to the agreement regarding whose constitution, in the event that there is no permanent constitution, may be used for elections. This is an issue that needs to be discussed, according to Elia.
According to the national minister, they also decided to start the Necessary Unified Forces’ phase two training right away.
“We agreed on a time schedule given a brief by the chair of the National Transitional Committee that Phase Two will now start and we will usher it in. Chapter Two on security is important for our security, the security of the nation, and the physical properties of the citizens through the Ministry of Interior. Now that phase two is approaching.
According to Dr. Elia, the committee believes that the issue of refugees and returns won’t have an impact on how general elections are conducted in Chapter Three on the subject of returnees.
“This is not a chapter that affects elections; we went through Chapter Three on the issue that relates to IDPs, returnees, and refugees, and there are 19 items in that annexe,” Dr. Elia stated. “The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs was given the opportunity to give us the details.”
December of this year is anticipated to see elections in South Sudan. South Sudanese will have the opportunity to vote for a president, members of parliament, and a number of municipal authorities for the first time.
Voter registration will open six months prior to elections, per the National Elections Act.
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