National parliament sitting. September 20, 2024 (Photo: Eye Radio)

A civil society activist Edmund Yakani has warned lawmakers against using constitutional changes to delay voting, as the National Legislative Assembly adopted the 13th Constitutional Amendment Bill to clear legal obstacles for South Sudan’s scheduled December 2026 general elections.

Speaking on the ongoing legislative process, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Executive Director Yakani urged Parliament to establish a clear timeline to prevent the constitutional adjustments from leading to an extended caretaker administration or a postponed ballot.

“Election is the only viable option for transitioning the country from violence to peace, and the only option that helps transition power in an honorable and peaceful manner,” Yakani said. “If we are to establish a caretaker government after all these amendments, there is a necessity for us to have a clear roadmap for the conduct of the elections. We should not compromise the election either by establishing a caretaker government or by extending the transitional period.”

Yakani added that any proposed caretaker body should consist of non-partisan technocrats tasked strictly with executing remaining peace agreement provisions and preparing the nation for the polls.

The warning comes as the national legislature convened in camera under Speaker Right Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba to pass the amendment report originally presented by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ruben Madol Arol.

Parliamentary Spokesperson Hon. Oliver Mori Benjamin confirmed that lawmakers adopted the bill without additions to adjust the legal framework governing the upcoming voting process.

“This amendment is especially made to remove all obstacles that are hindering the conduct of smooth, fair, and transparent elections come December 2026,” Mori stated following the closed-door parliamentary sitting.

The passage of the 13th Constitutional Amendment establishes the legislative framework ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 2026.