S. Sudan activists call for extension of presidential term

January 12, 2015 (JUBA) – A coalition of 75 South Sudan civil society groups have proposed that the national parliament amend the country’s constitution to extend president Salva Kiir’s term of office rather than holding elections in June as planned.

The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSuNDE) say the remaining six months before Kiir’s constitutional mandate expires should be maximised by legislators.

“SSuNDE urges the national legislative assembly to use this remaining six months of the transitional period productively by working hand in hand with the civil society organisations, political parties and the National Constitution Review Commission to amend the transitional constitution 2011 to extend the mandate of the sitting government to continue to negotiate and bring peace to the people of South Sudan,” the group said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

SSuNDE said it was prepared to collaborate with the National Elections Commission (NEC) “in promoting genuine democratic elections in South Sudan” provided that the environment is favourable for the ballot.

“When the country is stable and able to create an enabling environment for effective citizen participation in the electoral process [elections could be held],” the statement added.

The NEC announced late last year that presidential, gubernatorial and parliamentary elections would be held on 30 June.

However, the announcement has been rejected by political parties and the country’s armed opposition group led by former vice-president Riek Machar on the grounds that efforts should be exerted to end the conflict rather than investing resources in polls that are unlikely to deliver conclusive results.

The ruling SPLM party says that must be conducted before the 9 July deadline as spelt out in the transitional constitution in order to avoid a power vacuum.

(ST)