South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
Western Equatoria residents have reached a consensus on setting the presidential age limit at 35–75 years in the upcoming permanent constitution.
Morris John Peter, the programme officer for the Support Peace Initiative Development Organization, stated that the people of Western Equatoria believe the constitution-making process should include these age limits for presidential elections.
“With regard to the election contest for the office of the president, people have agreed on a minimum age of 35 years and a maximum age of 75 years. The governor, members of parliament, and county commissioners must all be elected in a general election, and they must hold a bachelor’s degree as a requirement,” Peter said on Friday in Yambio during the closing of a two-day training on the constitution-making process.
He added that the appointment of ministers in the national government must be approved by both the state and national parliaments, and there should be policies encouraging political parties to involve youth in the political process.
The two-day training, held in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, was organised by the Support Peace Initiative Development Organization (SPIDO) with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Access to Justice, Security and Human Rights Strengthening Programme.
Jacob Pauline Batista, a participant, noted that the creation of a permanent constitution and public consultations served as a platform for the people of Western Equatoria to share their views, which will be reflected in the final document.
Moses Mangianga, Chairperson of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Western Equatoria State, stated that the symposium provided an opportunity for attendees to present their thoughts and ideas for inclusion in the new constitution.
“The challenges in our country can be addressed through the constitution. People’s views will be based on these issues. The constitution has delayed elections; once it is finalised, we must unite to achieve progress for our nation,” Mangianga said.
John Obote, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in Western Equatoria State, expressed that the permanent constitution-making process will enable citizens to propose resolutions and tackle the problems affecting the country.
“We are pleased to develop ideas that will be incorporated into our permanent constitution. The people of Western Equatoria must come together to resolve issues, including land disputes,” Obote stated.
Anna Tuna Richard, Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, emphasised that the constitution-making process will allow the people of Western Equatoria to incorporate their views into the permanent constitution.
“We need the recommendations to be reflected in the constitutional text. With the permanent constitution, it is crucial for the people of South Sudan to establish stability and peace, as well as to reform the political system,” Richard concluded.
