South Sudan cabinet calls off June election

February 13, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s general elections, initially set for 30 June this year, will not take place as planned, the country’s council of ministers resolved at its regular meeting.

Members of cabinet on Friday agreed to extend, through parliament, the mandate of the president and the national legislature for two more years.

All amendments discussed will be tabled before MPs next week.

“In our quest for peace, the cabinet has decided to call off the elections and extend the lifespan of the elected positions so that we give peace a chance,” the country’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, told reporters in Juba.

According to the country’s 2011 transitional constitution, the mandate of president Salva Kiir and entire government officially expires on 9 July.

“Cabinet will now work with the national parliament to amend the constitution in a way that extends the mandate of the movement to 9 July 2017,” he said.

The council’s decision comes barely a day after the High Court set 3 March as the date to hear a petition filed by 18 political parties against the National Elections Commission (NEC).

The petitioners say elections cannot be conducted without a permanent constitution in place.

(ST)