Parliament Urged to Act Swiftly on Critical Amendments and Funding for Political Transition

In a passionate address, Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, issued a heartfelt plea to the leadership of the National Legislature, stressing the importance of crucial decisions that need to be made to ensure a smooth political transitional process.

Mr. Yakani emphasized the significance of endorsing the extended two-year political transitional processes, urging the Parliament to trigger amendment bills for both the Constitution and the postponement of the declared national election. He warned that the legitimacy of these amendments would only come into force after being signed into law by the President, emphasizing the timeliness of these actions.

Furthermore, Mr. Yakani called for no further extensions beyond the two years already agreed upon, urging lawmakers to sanction a sunset clause in their resolutions. He also highlighted the importance of funding the pending tasks of the transitional period, emphasizing the need for direct allocation of resources from the Ministry of Finance to prevent embezzlement.

Additionally, Mr. Yakani stressed the linkage between the extended transitional period and the Tumaini initiative, urging Parliament to incorporate ideas from the peace talks in Nairobi into the implementation matrix. He warned against ignoring the Tumaini initiative, as it could lead to political instability if left unrecognized.

Mr. Yakani appealed to all parties and partners involved in the agreement to work together to develop an implementable framework for the political transition, prioritizing funding towards election preparations to avoid wasting time and resources.

In separate news development, The Constitutional Amendment Bill Passed in One Day. The national legislature on friday, the endorsement of the extension of the transitional period for two years through Constitutional Amendment Bill number 12, 2024, was achieved in a historic display of efficiency and dedication. Described as a “political marathon,” the swift passage of the bill marked a significant milestone in the legislative process.

For the first time in history, a constitutional amendment bill underwent all four readings – the first, second, third, and final reading – in a single day. The agility and determination exhibited by lawmakers in treating the bill as emergency legislation set a new precedent in the annals of South Sudan’s legislative history.

Urging the country’s leadership to emulate the same spirit of the political marathon in allocating funding for the implementation mechanisms of the agreement, the need for a financial marathon to support key institutions responsible for fulfilling pending tasks was emphasized. Furthermore, a call for unwavering political will and commitment from the presidency to ensure political stability during the extended transitional period was underscored.

The application of this marathon approach was advocated for in critical areas such as unification of forces, constitutional-making processes, population census, and election preparations, highlighting the imperative nature of streamlined and expedited actions in these domains. The significance of timely and effective resource allocation in the upcoming national budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 was stressed, with a focus on the transitional tasks ahead.

Moreover, a plea was made to streamline funding processes by directing finances directly from the Ministry of Finance to relevant institutions without intermediaries, thus ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of agreements. An appeal for an audit of past expenses related to agreement implementation was also made to enhance accountability and prevent mismanagement of funds.

As the Constitutional Amendment Bill 12, 2024, moves towards finalization and potential enactment into law, the nation’s attention is drawn to the pressing issues affecting various sectors, including the plight of civil servants, soldiers, teachers, and healthcare professionals facing challenges such as salary delays and economic hardships. The imperative for a transitional-budget focused approach to address these crises and pave the way for a stable and sustainable future for South Sudan was reiterated.

In closing, Mr. Yakani urged lawmakers to prioritize the safety, security, and stability of the country above all else, setting aside personal interests for the greater good of the citizens they represent.