Former SPLM-IO Chief Whip Dabe Francis Elisama. (-)

Central Equatoria Legislative Assembly’s SPLM-IO Chief Whip, Dabe Francis Elisama, has resigned saying it is unbearable to work in “unelected parliament” where rules of procedures are manipulated, and laws are breached.

Elisama cited his “moral and constitutional responsibility” to quit the public office in the resignation letter addressed to SPLM-IO chairman and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.

“Your excellency, I am grateful to convey my Christmas and End of the Year greetings while submitting the above subject matter,” he said referring to his resignation.

Francis was suspended by CES parliament Speaker Rt. Hon. Peter Wani Elia Kulang on May 3, 2023, over alleged secret dealings.

The lawmaker, who was appointed to the unity government in late 2021, thanked Machar for the trust bestowed upon him.

However, he said working in a parliament of appointees, where, according to him, laws are breached and procedures manipulated, is unbearable.

“Parliament is an arm of a government that discharges its Legislative, Oversight and Representative Responsibility on the foundation of democratic principles and constitutionalism,” he said.

“However, working in unelected parliament whose leadership serves on manipulation of its rules of procedures and breaches of rules of law, is difficult and unbearable as a lawmaker.”

The state parliament spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on the matter.