First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Oyet Nathaniel speaks on Eye Radio's Dawn Show. July 14, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

The first deputy speaker of the national parliament says government programs are likely to be affected next year, should the minister of finance and planning fail to table a supplementary budget this month.

Oyet Nathaniel said this is as the parliament is likely to go on recess this month, adding that the supplementary budget is critical before the country can go for elections.

He said if the supplementary budget is not tabled this year, the conduct of the permanent constitution-making process, population census, and subsequently elections may not take place.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Monday, the first deputy speaker – who is an SPLM-IO member – activities of the permanent constitution-making process have also not been allocated funds in the same year’s budget.

“The supplementary budget which is holding the peace implementation funds for elections, for the commission to deliver permanent constitution, for the census, for repatriation, resettlement of IDPs, for security arrangements, we expect it in the parliament. This is now December,” said Hon. Oyet.

“It is now the fifth and the sixth month, we need a supplementary budget, if it is delayed it will affect the government programs next year,” he said.

“The supplementary budget comes normally after six months, beyond six months you are not expected to bring a supplementary budget because you will now be concluding the financial year implementation budget.”

In July this year, the SPLM In Opposition Parliamentary Caucus made a similar appeal to the Minister of Finance and Planning to table a supplementary budget for the timely conduct of the upcoming general elections.