The National Legislative Assembly should have more elected members than appointed members, says Richard K. Mulla, the indepenent MP representing Mundri town Constituency No. 1.  He points out that under the current equation the president exercises significant influence over parliament.

The newest appointed MP, Hon. Bol Tobby Madut, was sworn in on Monday. According to Mulla, the appointment of Madut is an indication that the presidency will continue to patronize the assembly.

“And it’s definite that SPLM, being the dominant party, shall continue to dance according to the tune of its master,” he said.

“People should get to control all the political affairs and get their representatives directly elected to represent them in free, fair and generous elections,” he said.

Honourable Onyotti Adigo, the leader of the opposition political parties, suggests that the appointment of these members to the parliament should be reversed, and members to the parliament should come through elections.

 “The government has gone ahead to bring appointed members, and making their number huge in the assembly”, he asserted. 

Hon. Bol Madut’s appointment follows a recommendation by SSANU party to President Salva Kiir to replace its party member Tobby Madut, who passed away last year.  Hence, the new appointee has replaced his late father.

 Juba Post contacted two members of the SPLM caucus but both declined to comment on the issue.

Reprinted by permission of the Juba Post.

UN Photo