JMEC calls lawmakers to speed up the outstanding bills for democratic dispensation

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) has urged the parliament to complete necessary legislation before the end of the transitional period.

Dr. Thomson Fontaine, R-JMEC deputy chief of staff, reminded the parties that more needed to be done to implement the agreement within the remaining nine-month period.

The peace monitoring commission said implementation of the revitalized agreement is slow and critical tasks have remained unimplemented.

As stated in the agreement, Dr. Fontaine says there an urgent need to graduate the unified forces and speed up the permanent constitution-making process to pave the way for the election in 2023.

“The RTNLA’s role is critical to facilitate other outstanding tasks such as constitutional making and election processes necessary for the country to {ensure} democratic compensation,” said Fontaine.

He encouraged the members of parliament to remain seized on the implementation of the R_ARCSS and ensure appropriate and timely legislation that will hasten the achievement of the election process within the timelines.

“The importance of a people-led and people-owned permanent constitution which will be the cornerstone of the state of South Sudan, preparing the way for a smooth transition through free, fair and credible elections.” 

The peace monitoring mechanism said there is lack of political will from the parties, among other challenges that are facing the implantation of the agreement.

The 2nd Deputy Speaker of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly, (TNLA) Rt. Hon Parmena Awerial Aluong blamed the imposed sanctions and arms embargo as significant challenges delaying the unification of forces and other tasks.

“The integration of the army or unified army is still because there are so many obstacles still there. We have got the arms embargo; we have sanction that impedes the implementation of other sectors.” Awerial stated.

Hon. Awerial reiterated the parties’ commitment to implement the agreement despite obstacles facing the implementation

“We have already tabled the constitutional making process, and it’s also with the committee. Maybe next week, if it’s completed, that bill will table as second reading, and then we may complete that one,” he said.

On Thursday, lawmakers attended orientation workshop organized by RJMEC to promote a better understanding of the revitalized peace agreement.