The government says a decision taken by the Council of Ministers to postpone elections and extend the presidency of Salva Kiir for two years is a mere proposal.

The polls were scheduled for June. But the Council of Ministers on Friday said the constitution should be amended to give more time for the warring parties to complete the peace process.

Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, says the decision is pending the approval of the parliament.

“Whatever decision taken by the cabinet pertaining to the amendment of the constitution is a mere initiative, a proposal that goes to the National Legislative Assembly for consideration,” Mr Makuei said.

“It is not final as some media houses understood it. It is subject to approval by the national legislature.”

‘Violation of the constitution’

However, an alliance of 14 political parties says the government’s decision to postpone elections for two years is a violation of the constitution.

The parties say the government has no power to postpone the elections.

“That decision to cancel the election is a step in the right direction but the government has no power to stop election after it announced it. This is what the law says. So the only authority that can stop election is the Supreme Court,” said Dr. Lam Akol, who spoke on behalf of the parties.

The general elections were scheduled for June. But on Friday the Council of Ministers postponed the polls and extended the presidency of Salva Kiir for two years.