As the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) sets to reopen on Wednesday, 16th July, there is a need to prioritize budget deliberations rather than political discussions.
Although the 550 parliamentarians were drawn from different parties to the 2018 peace agreement, the political focus during the resumption of the business will lead to more delays on the budget deliberations.
The ball continues to roll-on as to whether the house of the people will prioritize the current economic situation and speed up the country’s budget with fresh changes geared toward economic improvement or politicking.
Unlike fellow East African Community (EAC) members Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, which have already approved their budgets as stated by the law, South Sudan still continues to operate under last year’s financial plan.
As part of the region, South Sudan must utilize the available time while ensuring that it improves in the coming years.
Focusing on simple partisan priorities, such as political divisions, removal and appointment of loyalists among lawmakers, will delay the work required of the MPs, by the Citizens.
In a move to reduce such time wastage on political agenda, the House of the People must start its deliberation on necessary items that place people’s interests first; this includes the budget and implementation of 2018 Peace Agreement.
Other key tasks that need serious attention at the assembly, as lawmakers start their business include, amending the election act, and addressing other critical bills as the country prepares for December 2026 polls.