Sudan’s draft political agreement leaves presidency issue unresolved
March 27, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The first draft of the final political agreement has left unresolved the key issue of the collegial or individual presidency as the parties still have to reach an agreement before the first of April.
The draft final political agreement released on Sunday gives the prime minister full powers to lead the action of the civilian transitional government. Also, it determines the ceremonial powers of the head of state.
However, the text remains silent over the form of the head of state. Will it be a collegiate body (Sovereign Council) or a single-headed body?
In Chapter III on the Transitional Sovereign Authority, the draft agreement put two options: “Transitional Sovereign Council/Head of State”.
A member of the joint drafting committee told Sudan Tribune that the key issue has been left for more consultations between the civilian and military components.
“The form of the sovereign authority has not been decided, but it will be resolved within two days,” said the source under the cover of anonymity as the parties continue to discuss the matter.
The military component believes that they can easily settle issues related to the army and military institutions if there is a single man picked with their assent.
The Sudanese army even indicated that he should be a former general who has a good understanding of military issues.
While civilian groups prefer to have a small collegial body. Some former armed groups say collegiate presidency would allow their region to be represented at the head of state.
An agreement should be reached on the matter before March 29, as the parties have to adopt a final version ahead of the signing on the first of April.
The two-year transitional government will be chaired by a prime minister chosen by the forces of the revolution.
The cabinet members should not exceed 26 ministers. They will be appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the forces of the revolution.
The same for the governors of regions and states.
The parties to the agreement, also, placed the transitional legislative council before the executive body to underline their determination to form it and to avoid repeating the mistake of the aborted transitional government.
The members of the chamber, which will control the government, should not be less than 160 and not exceed 300 appointed representatives.
The legislative council has the power to overthrow the transitional government with a vote of no confidence approved by 80% of its members.
The signatories of the framework agreement agreed to sign the transitional constitution on April 6 and to appoint the civilian government on April 11.
(ST)