Kamal Omer, the political secretary of the Sudanese opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP), has criticized constitutional amendments passed by the parliament, especially those giving the president the power to appoint state governors and giving new powers of the National Intelligence and Security Service.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj yesterday, Omer said the recent amendments have denied citizen’s rights to choose their own representatives. He added that the move encourages domination and a totalitarian system.
This indicates that the Sudanese political future is in danger, according to the opposition leader.
Omer further pointed out that the PCP members in the parliament walked out in protest against passing the constitutional amendments, which were passed by the parliamentary bloc of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).
Among the amendments was one that allowed the national security service to operate the ‘Rapid Support Forces’ militias, which already has been under NISS command but has been criticized for being an illegally constituted force.
The opposition leader criticized this, saying it made the National Security Service into an organized force and undermined the legitimacy of the 2005 transitional constitution.
The PCP political secretary also reiterated their position to boycott the upcoming general elections.
Prior to this parliamentary move, Sudan’s President Omar al Bashir had called for a review of the decentralized system of governance. He said some amendments to the constitution were urgent and necessary.