JUBA – South Sudan information minister Michael Makuei Lueth has said that his government will not accept to reconstitute the national parliament before the formation of state governments or before reaching a deal between the parties on the formation of state governments.
This comes as pressure grows against the parties to the revitalized peace agreement to reconstitute what would become as the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) and the National Council of States.
“We had presented a proposal to the parties to the peace agreement on Monday, but they asked for an opportunity to study it, and after which they will respond on Wednesday. We have not yet agreed on the allocation of ministerial portfolios, so we will meet them tomorrow (Wednesday),” Makuei said.
“When we agree on the number of ministerial portfolios and their allocation and the membership of state legislatures and their allocation, it is thereafter each party will nominate its candidates,” Makuei said.
The information minister further said President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny were still in deadlock over the appointment of the Upper Nile state governor.
“The two are still at a stalemate. President Salva has reclined to appoint Olony, while Riek is insisting that Olony must be the governor. So we don’t know what will be the way forward,” Makuei said.
