As the
Transitional National Legislative Assembly prepares to host a public hearing on
the 2024/2025 national budget draft on October 30, 2024, security personnel
have been urged to provide unrestricted public access to the location without
fear of intimidation or harassment.
Hon. Michael
Ayuen, chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Finance and
Planning, revealed last week that the public would have the opportunity to
participate in the budget review process.
But the executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress
Organization (CEPO), expressed worry about previous occurrences in which
security authorities restricted public access to parliament.
“I urge the
public—including civil society, youth, women, farmers, and traders—to attend
the public hearing on the national budget for 2024/2025. This is an opportunity
to exercise our civic duty as outlined in the constitution,” Edmund Yakani
said, encouraging citizens to honor their social contract with the government.
Yakani
praised the leadership of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative
Assembly and the financial committee for allowing public attendance, claiming
that this approach exemplifies democratic values and good governance.
He did,
however, remind parliament leaders and security officials of the importance of
preventing intimidation or harassment by security officers on legislative
grounds during public hearings.
He urged the
security leadership to ensure free access for members of public, while also reminding
attendees to follow all legislative norms and procedures.
The one-day
public hearing will enable the public to actively participate in the budget
process.
The cabinet
adopted the proposed budget in August, which totaled 4.2 trillion South
Sudanese pounds, and the finance minister presented it to parliament in
September.
