South Sudan assembly adjourns Human Rights Bill debate

By Isaac Vuni

January 12, 2009 (JUBA) — The Deputy Speaker of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly, Lawrence Lual Lual today at 12:25 p.m. adjourned the debate on the Human Rights Bill in its second reading, leaving many legislators disappointed.

Lual, a veteran politician in the history of South Sudan, speaking in low voice, claimed lack of quorum to permit debate; but according to the registry of MPs entered inside the hall — a new regulation issued by Hon. Speaker James Wani — there were 90 registered plus seven absent with permission, making a total of 97, which is more than the needed quorum to effect debate.

Some legislators alleged that Lual had been forced him to adjourn the debate for personal reasons. Others have gone further to accuse him of perpetuating insecurity in Juba to win political favors from the young south Sudanese.

(ST)