The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has said it’s support for the electoral process hinges on the transitional government enacting critical election bills prior to holding the much anticipated poll in December 2024.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Guang Cong told journalists on Monday that the critical laws that need to be fast-tracked include the National Election Act.
“We discussed a number of issues, we stand ready to provide support to the government in support of the constitution-making process and electoral preparation, at this stage the most important is to expedite the legislation for ratification of National Election Act,” said Guang.
Guang was speaking after meeting Ruben Madol Arol, the national minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Juba.
“We also exchanged views on how UN and UNMISS can strengthen our support to the technical assistance and institution building to the ministry of justice and the justice sector. In terms of judicial reform commission, we have committed to work together with partners like UNDP, UN Women to provide necessary support for popular consultation at the state level,” he disclosed.
Gabriel Isaac Awow, the Acting Undersecretary for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said the election bill is waiting to be enacted by the national legislative assembly into law.
“On the progress of election law, it is already in the National Transitional Legislative Assembly, the minister of Justice submitted to cabinet and the cabinet approved it, so it is on the table of the assembly,” he said.
Awow said they are waiting for parties to the 2018 revitalized peace deal to submit names to the taskforce in the ministry in order to reconstitute the National Constitution Review Commission.
He added that they have done review of the necessary laws, adding that they are going to the states to consult with the people of South Sudan on the proposed laws before enactment.
