By Matik Kueth
The National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) is planning to launch a civic education and public consultation campaign in December 2024.
Dr. Riang Zuor, Chairperson of the NCRC, stated on Tuesday at the Federalism Workshop for NCRC members at the Palm African Hotel that the campaigns will be utilized to educate the South Sudanese population about what to expect in 2025.
“Ladies and gentlemen, on another note, I would like to inform you that the commission, in collaboration with partners, is planning to launch the civic education and public consultations campaigns. before the end of this year,” Dr. Zuor said.
He said the NCRC intends to conduct such campaigns because the commission wishes to devote the first quarter of next year, 2025, to operations related to a nationwide civic education and public consultation campaign.
“So, when the new year begins, we will just hit the road knowing that the campaign is already unofficially lined. The launch and before the end of the new year will give our people a feeling of momentum being gained and something to hope for moving forward to the new year,” he stated.
Zuor applauded partners for their relentless commitment to supporting the NCRC amid the constitutional review process.
“We are all aware of financial difficulties that we are in as a Commission in particular and the country in general, but that has not stopped us from being active. And thanks to our partners, who have shown a great deal of commitment to the people of South Sudan by placing their resources at our disposal,” he stressed.
He further pointed out, “Therefore, our plan is for the event to take place on December 4, 2024. But then we, because we are not an island, and we want to carry others along with us in the process, and we want the support of others for the event to be successful, we have left that to be a tentative date.”
Civil education and public consultation campaigns are crucial components in the constitutional-making process, especially in a country like South Sudan, which is in the process of rebuilding and stabilizing after years of conflict. These elements play a vital role in ensuring that the constitution reflects the will of the people, is inclusive, and promotes lasting peace, democracy, and good governance.