Civil Society officials in S. Sudan present proposals to NCAC
Representatives of Civil Society have presented their amendment proposals to the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) on South Sudan’s National Elections Act, 2012.
The proposals were developed following a stakeholder’s workshop on the Political Parties Act, 2012 and the National Elections Act, 2012.
The committee led by NCAC chairperson Gichira Kibara received the proposals in Juba, on Monday.
The additional proposals include provisions for civic participation in the electoral process, effective electoral management and inclusion of marginalized groups such as persons living with disabilities.
While receiving the submissions, Mr. Kibara, said the Committee is committed to conducting an inclusive and participatory process and commended the civil society organizations for their efforts and contribution. He noted that the voices of civil society are critical in the ongoing reform processes.
The Chairperson added that Committee will consider the submissions from civil society together with other proposed amendments to the electoral laws. Following this process, the Committee will finalize the drafting of the Amendment Bills and present to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The Committee has been reviewing/amending elections related legislation in accordance with the Peace Agreement. The committee held an experts’ forum on 17thAugust 2017 and a stakeholder’s meeting on 21stJune 2018. At the stakeholder’s meeting, it was resolved to extend the period for stakeholders to make additional submissions for amendment/reviewing the laws.
The officials were from the Juba-based Formulation for Democracy and Accountable Governance (FODAG), South Sudan Democratic Engagement, Monitoring and Observation Program and the Institute for Social Policy and Research.