NCAC commences amendments to South Sudan’s electoral laws

Wednesday, 20 September 2017 22:48

The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has commenced amendment of the electoral laws of the Republic of South Sudan.

The amendment and review of the National Elections Act, 2012 and Political Parties Act, 2012 is provided for under Chapter I, Article 16 of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).

The National Elections Act, 2012 will be amended to conform to the terms of the ARCSS while the Political Parties Act, 2012 will be reviewed to ensure it compiles with “international best practices for the free and democratic registration of Political Parties in South Sudan”.

The amendment to the two election-related Acts is intended to lay the necessary legal foundation for the electoral process in the country n good time.

The Committee chaired by Mr. Gichira Kibara is also finalizing reviews on the Security Laws awaiting stakeholders’ participation as envisaged by the ARCSS. The laws include the SPLA Act in 2009, the National Security Act 2014, the Police Service Act 2009, the Prisons Service Act 2011 and the Wildlife Service Act 2011.

In April, the Committee has also submitted amendments to the Constitution to the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hon. Paulino Wanawila.

The Amendments are currently before the Council for Ministers and thereafter expected to be tabled in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly for debate and enactment.