Watchdog demands ‘clarity’ on elections laws

JUBA, OCTOBER 3, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A South Sudan civil society watchdog has called on the government to demand clarity on as to how an elected president will appoint 5 percent of the entire membership of the parliament.

In a statement, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani also demanded clarifications on the size of the constituencies provided for in the electoral bill.

“The signed national elections law requires further clarity on the application of the 5% share for elected president appointments of members of parliament after the elections,” Yakani stated.

“Moreover, the issues of the size of constituencies per the defined size of the national parliament is required to be clarified too,” Yakani stressed.

The outspoken activist further asserted that any complexity associated with the elections law would be a potential threat and risk against peaceful elections.

“It is essential that the government and stakeholders hold a national elections consensus dialogue for securing some confidence and trust on the application of the signed electoral law, 2023,” Yakani said.

He added that the Presidency and political parties should also hold meetings to discuss critical political decisions that would impact on the creation of a conducive environment for the conduct of elections.

“The time to prepare for elections is moving faster,” Yakani said. “Political leadership is required to prove political will and commitment for the success of the upcoming election.”

Yakani also argued that holding general national elections without representation and participation from people with disabilities is a clear lack of political will and commitment.

CEPO is a non-governmental organization that works to promote democracy and good governance in South Sudan.