Judge's gavel in courtroom - (Photo: Courtesy).

The Court of Appeal in Juba has issued an order suspending the upcoming elections of the South Sudan Bar Association, which were scheduled for next week.

This decision was in response to an appeal filed by Lawyer Yoannis Yor Akol against Lawyer James Al-Tayeb Jaz, the President of the South Sudan Bar Association, and his associates.

The complainant filed a petition questioning the legitimacy of the steering and election committees.

In January, the Elections Committee, led by James Faulino Lado, announced that the elections would take place on March 13 and 14, 2024.

However, in its final ruling, the three-jury Court of Appeal declared that the ongoing election activities led by the committee are temporarily halted until the pending objection is resolved.

In response to the court’s decision, candidate Reech Ring for the Bar Association expressed concerns that the court’s decision has come at an unfortunate time.

Ring affirmed his commitment to comply with the court’s ruling.

“Indeed, as legal professionals, we are committed to all procedures, regardless of how correct or incorrect the procedures are,” he told Eye Radio.

“We follow very closely and monitor the ongoing procedures because we have a very big interest in the ongoing process. As a candidate, I will strive to actively participate in the upcoming days and become part and partial of the process.”

Advocate Ring said he will present a petition against the decision of the Court of Appeal to suspend the Bar Association elections.

“So, we believe that there is a need for us to be involved in the appeal, we plan to submit an official request to the court, seeking intervention in the ongoing procedures.”