Members of the Maiwut state legislative assembly last Thursday passed a vote of no confidence against the speaker for allegedly violating the assembly’s conduct of business regulations.
15 of the 21 MPs voted against the speaker, but five were in support.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Friday, the assembly’s deputy speaker, James Ruach Long said Chuol Dep Kier was removed for violating the assembly’s rules after he removed and appointed new committee chairpersons.
Ruach explained that Mr Chuol had issued a decision appointing chairpersons for the parliamentary committees on health, finance and education without consulting his deputy as a requirement.
He said Chuol’s decision to appoint the three chairpersons angered the MPs, who accused him of violating internal regulations. Ruach said MPs have elected Mrs. Chol Both Hoth as the new speaker.
For his part, Chuol has rejected the vote of no confidence against him. He described the lawmakers’ decision as “incorrect”, saying he remains in charge of the assembly, despite the impeachment resolution.