First Deputy Speaker and SPLM-IO Deputy Chairperson Nathaniel Oyet addresses the media on Monday, September 18, 2023. ([Photo: Charles Wote).

SPLM-IO Parliamentary Caucus on Monday called on President Salva Kiir and the vice presidents to resolve a dispute over the passing of the National Elections Act.

On Monday, the parliament passed the controversial National Elections Act 2012, Amendment Bill 2023 which increased the number of lawmakers from 250 to 332.

The amendment bill also agreed that an elected president shall exercise the authority to appoint 5 percent of the lawmakers – while the rest shall be elected as enshrined in the constitution.

But lawmakers from the SPLM-IO walked out of the August House to protest the article proposing appointing powers to the president-elect.

Oyet Nathaniel who doubles as the first Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of SPLM IO said matters of the peace process and elections are critical and require the consent of all political parties.

“The matters of elections in the Republic of South Sudan and particularly in the peace process is a very critical matter which requires a consensus of all the political parties,” Oyet said at a press conference on behalf of the party’s Parliamentary Caucus.

Mr Oyet said the group will not allow a democratic process to be “hijacked” and does not want any member of parliament appointed other than being elected by the people.

“So, what we are raising is in place and we are calling for the principals once again to intervene to resolve this matter. We cannot allow the democratic process in South Sudan to be hijacked.”

“We don’t want anybody to appoint additional members of the parliament. It is the people of South Sudan who will elect their leaders to the august house, not any other person appointing members to the parliament.”

While commenting after the passing of the National Elections Act, Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba admitted that there was no consensus.

Nunu, however, said the debate was subjected to voting and the majority of the legislators voted in favor of the provision.

She stated that the national parliament would not consider those who were absent.

“On the issue of the provision for the elected President to be able to nominate people or special groups, the house did not have a consensus on this and therefore we went for voting.”

“So, we will not consider those who are absent and those who have voted for this provision. Those who are here are 210, and they have voted for this, minus 300, and that is 90 members who did not vote for it. From 210, 3 abstained, so we pass the bill.”

It is not clear what category of people a president-elect will appoint based on the just enacted National Election Act.

However, the interim constitution mandates President Kiir to appoint some SPLM members based on their geographical constituencies.

In neighbouring Kenya, Article 177, (1) and (2) of the constitution states that marginalized groups including persons with disabilities and youth shall be nominated by political parties in proportion to the seats received in that election.