South Sudan elections bill faces new challenge as another group calls it ‘unconstitutional’

JUBA, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan’s national elections bill has been hit by another setback, with the civil rights group People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) calling it “unconstitutional and undemocratic”.

The bill, which was passed by the country’s transitional parliament on September 19, 2023, has already been rejected by several opposition groups, including the main opposition party SPLM-IO, South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and the Revive South Sudan Party (RSSP).

The PCCA’s main objection to the bill is a provision that would give the elected president the power to appoint 5% of the members of parliament after elections.

The group says this provision is unconstitutional and would undermine the independence of the legislature.

“This amendment is unconstitutional and undemocratic, and it must be rejected unequivocally,” the PCCA said in a statement extended to Sudans Post today.

“The PCCA therefore stands in solidarity with the opposition parties that walked out of parliament and calls upon President Kiir to veto the bill and to return it to parliament for debate. This undemocratic insertion must be removed entirely before the bill is brought to the floor of Parliament,” it added.

The PCCA further said that elections should not be conducted until the country has a new constitution and election law, and until the government has created a conducive environment for free and fair elections.

“The people of South Sudan demand genuine peace, genuine dialogue, return of refugees, census, a new constitution, election act, political parties council, and open political and civic spaces before any elections,” the PCCA said.

President Salva Kiir has repeatedly said that he is committed to holding free and fair elections in South Sudan, but the PCCA’s rejection of the elections bill is a major blow to his plans.

It remains to be seen whether Kiir will veto the bill or sign it into law. If he signs it into law, it is likely that the opposition parties will boycott the elections, which would throw the country into further political turmoil.