By Aweye Teddy Onam
The United Nations has commended the national parliament for passing the National Election Act 2012 amendment bill 2023, which will pave the way for election conduct.
The long-awaited National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed last week by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) but with a walk-out protest by the main opposition SPLM-IO lawmakers.
Ratification of the bill provides for the reconstitution of a competent and impartial National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct general elections as stipulated in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
Other provisions in the law include the percentage allocations, which show that 50 percent of all the members of the National Assembly shall be elected to represent geographical constituencies in the Republic of South Sudan.
While 35 percent of women members shall be elected based on proportional representation at the national level from the closed women representatives.
And 15 percent of members shall be elected on proportional representative representation at the national level from closed party lists, this includes categories such as youth and persons living with disabilities.
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and deputy UNMISS chief for Political Affairs, Guang Cong, now urged peace parties to demonstrate their commitment to a consensus for the swift establishment of key institutions.
He was speaking at an event marking the International Day of Peace at Nyakuron Cultural Centre on Thursday.
Guang called for the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Revenue Commission (NRCRC), and the National Elections Commission (NEC).
“The people of South Sudan seek stability, security, and peace to get confidence that there is a conducive environment for elections, which will also open the way to development,” he added.