By King News
King News 22nd Sept 2024 – The Revitalized Transition Government of National Unity’s lifespan is officially extended for two more years. According to the presidential press unit, President Salva Kiir on Saturday signed the transitional constitution of South Sudan, 2011 amendment No.12, bill 2024 – for extension of the government’s term of office.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit has officially signed Amendment Number 12 to the Transitional Constitution of 2011, extending the transitional period by two years,” PPU noted.
This after Speaker Jemma Nunu presented the amendment to the President for assent to avoid a constitutional vacuum for the incumbent government of national unity under the 2018 peace deal.
She emphasized that the extension will enable the government to complete the pending essential tasks outlined in the peace agreement and adequately prepare for democratic elections.
Nunu also urged all stakeholders to collaborate in implementing the necessary provisions for the upcoming elections.
The speaker reaffirmed that the R-TGoNU, under President Kiir, is committed to exceptionally delivering more during the extended period to pave the way for free, fair, and credible polls.
On Friday, the parliament, in its marathon extraordinary session, passed the bill through all stages in a single day, making it the fastest bill ever passed in the country’s history.
The House was racing against time so the government would not be dissolved by September 22, 2024.
Section of the MPs at the national legislative assembly said the recent two years extension is the last shot for the government of national unity, thus urged the RTGoNU to utilize it well.
To break the cycle of an endless transition period, lawmakers voiced their concern over the lack of political will to implement the 2018 peace deal, which would see the country exit through democratic polls.
“Our people are there, mockeries; they are hungry, whatever you term, because of these extensions every now and then, but we must apologize to them. And make them feel that if this the only to keep this country going why not.” Said Farouk Gatkouth, the SPLM-IO chief whip.
Another MP, Samuel Loti cited as they nodded at extension of government lifespan – let that mark the end of extensions.
“As we amend this very important provision in the constitution to extend the life of this government. Let us take note of the fact that this endless extension should come to a stop,” he noted.
“This would be the last chance, honorable members! So, that we should not continue extending again, we should finish this and end it with an election,” Loti continued.
Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Organization, said the leaders were running a marathon race for legitimacy because of a lack of political will.
The Activists called on the political parties to demonstrate political will and implement pending provisions. On September 10, the political parties signatory to the 2018 peace agreement agreed to postpone the elections and extend the transition period from February 22, 2025, to February 22, 2027.
On Sept 13, the presidency nodded at the postponement of the election and extension of the transition period.
Similarly, the national council of ministries unanimously endorsed an extension on Sept 18, followed by R-JMEC on September 18, where more than two-thirds consented to the delay of polls.