Lack Of Political Will To Affect Constitutional Review: Activist

This article was last updated on May 25, 2022

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Dong Samuel, Secretary General of the South Sudan Law Society said that the lack commitment from the government leadership to actively enhance democratization process of the constitutional review process and inadequate funding are critical challenges still marring the commission’s work.

He warns that the placement of timeline activities ahead of constitutional events such as the census and the elections in effect means that there are chances the events will not be held on time, threatening democratic handover of power in 2015. 

Despite government’s approval and release of nine million South Sudan pounds to the Commission to run its activities, Dong said the funding is inadequate as it would only fit for establishment of the commission’s office, logistics and incentives.

“The nine million is already released to the commission but it’s just like a drop into an ocean. This commission needs a lot of resources for them to move and consult every individual in South Sudan,” Dong told Gurtong in an exclusive interview.

“Especially the civic education and public consultations will be hindered and you end up with the constitution being drafted or adapted by a few people…and it will not be a popular document and it will not be legitimate because the public has not participated,” he added.

He estimated that, the commission may need 45 million SSP minimum to execute its activities adequately, citing that the need for logistics to facilitate the commission’s work effectively especially during the wet season.

He pointed out that, political parties till date have not yet been registered so as to give the public an overview of the contestants in the 2015 elections, an indication of lack of government leadership commitment.

He warns that unless the government leadership changes its political will towards enabling able environment for the democratization process, holding elections is impossible in 2015.

“Am sure 100% that if the parliament extends the mandate of this Commission and most of these issues [challenges marring work of the commission] are not resolved especially the political will of the leadership that there should be a transfer of power through ballot you know then we are in problem and the issue of legitimacy will always come back,” said Dong.