JUBA — South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to dissolve the transitional government on Tuesday night and appoint a caretaker government to oversee state affairs during the electoral period, a top official said.
The expected move comes after the Transitional National Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the National Elections Act, 2012, which President Kiir signed into law on Monday.
Under the amended electoral framework, the incumbent president would remain in office with all powers vested in him under the National Elections Act, 2012, throughout the election period, while the country’s vice-presidents, including First Vice-President Riek Machar, would be relieved of their duties.
Addressing media on Tuesday in Juba, Ateny Wek Ateny, the Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson said the transitional government will be dissolved on Tuesday night to prevent a political vacuum.
“The revitalized peace agreement on resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which created the revitalized national government (RTGoUN), is coming to an end at midnight,” Ateny said.
Ateny said President Salva Kiir has the prerogative to dissolve the transitional government and appoint a caretaker administration to oversee state affairs during the election period.
“In order for a constitutional vacuum not to happen, His Excellency the president has the prerogative of dissolving the government tonight so that when the midnight comes, there is a new government in place so that there is no political vacuum, so this is a normal process,” he said.
“The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity has to come to an end three months before the voting, and the three months before the voting is ending tonight.”
He said the caretaker arrangement would ensure that government institutions continue functioning and that there is no political vacuum as the country moves toward the December polls.
“His Excellency the president has the prerogative of appointing caretaker government to lead the process of elections.”
Ateny described the transition as a normal process intended to maintain the continuity of government while preparations for the elections continue.
“That means the process for elections is in place and the time for the people of South Sudan to vote for the leaders they want has arrived, so make no mistake, choose your leaders correctly simply because you need to have an accountable government.”
Ateny urged the public to remain calm, saying the increased security presence at strategic locations across Juba ahead of the expected changes to the national and state governments is intended to protect citizens and their property.
“The security is down there to assure the protection of the citizens and their properties. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.
