---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: John Ashworth <[email protected]> Date: Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 4:13 PM Subject: [sudan-john-ashworth] Lack Of Political Will Affects Constitutional Review To: Group <[email protected]>
I hear a lot of complaints in Juba about "the lack [of] commitment from the government leadership to actively enhance [the] democratization process of the constitutional review process". The Constitutional Review Commission has been hamstrung by lack of funding, and one does not perceive a sense of urgency from the government. The new permanent constitution must be owned by the nation, not imposed by a government, party or group of technocrats. In order to do this there must be wide consultation, a truly representative and participative process, as happened in South Africa and Kenya. Fortunately, in the face of apathy from the government and lack of resources on the part of the commission, churches and civil society have gone ahead with a civic education programme across the nation to enlighten citizens about the constitutional review process, and more general issues about constitutions and constitution-making. If they are as successful in this as they were in their civic education campaigns for the elections and referendum, then there is still hope! John BEGIN Lack Of Political Will To Affect Constitutional Review: Activist A member of the South Sudan National Constitutional Review Commission says that the challenges affecting the operations of the commission are still in place and there is lack of commitment from the government to enhance the constitutional review process. By Waakhe Simon Wudu JUBA, 25 January 2013 [Gurtong] - Dong Samuel, Secretary General of the South Sudan Law Society said that the lack commitment from the government leadership to actively enhance democratization process of the constitutional review process and inadequate funding are critical challenges still marring the commission’s work. He warns that the placement of timeline activities ahead of constitutional events such as the census and the elections in effect means that there are chances the events will not be held on time, threatening democratic handover of power in 2015. Despite government’s approval and release of nine million South Sudan pounds to the Commission to run its activities, Dong said the funding is inadequate as it would only fit for establishment of the commission’s office, logistics and incentives. “The nine million is already released to the commission but it’s just like a drop into an ocean. This commission needs a lot of resources for them to move and consult every individual in South Sudan,” Dong told Gurtong in an exclusive interview. “Especially the civic education and public consultations will be hindered and you end up with the constitution being drafted or adapted by a few people...and it will not be a popular document and it will not be legitimate because the public has not participated,” he added. He estimated that, the commission may need 45 million SSP minimum to execute its activities adequately, citing that the need for logistics to facilitate the commission’s work effectively especially during the wet season. He pointed out that, political parties till date have not yet been registered so as to give the public an overview of the contestants in the 2015 elections, an indication of lack of government leadership commitment. He warns that unless the government leadership changes its political will towards enabling able environment for the democratization process, holding elections is impossible in 2015. “Am sure 100% that if the parliament extends the mandate of this Commission and most of these issues [challenges marring work of the commission] are not resolved especially the political will of the leadership that there should be a transfer of power through ballot you know then we are in problem and the issue of legitimacy will always come back,” said Dong. http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/9272/Default.aspx END ______________________ John Ashworth Sudan, South Sudan Advisor [email protected] +254 725 926 297 (Kenya mobile) +211 919 695 362 (South Sudan mobile) +27 82 050 1235 (South Africa mobile) +44 750 304 1790 (UK/international) +88 216 4334 0735 (Thuraya satphone) PO Box 52002 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya This is a personal e-mail address and the contents do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation -- -- The content of this message does not necessarily reflect John Ashworth's views. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, John Ashworth is not the author of the content and the source is always cited. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "sudan-john-ashworth" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.co.za/group/sudan-john-ashworth -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
