A member of the Warrap State Legislative Assembly in South Sudan has criticized the extension of the term of Governor Nyandeng Malek and state parliament for three more years.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, MP Chol Chiri noted that the procedures were inconsistent with the state constitution, referring to violation of legal and constitutional procedures in amending the constitution.
He accused the governor of failing to serve citizens during the past period in office. The critic pointed out that some of the citizens lost their lives due to hunger without getting any help from the state government. He deplored lack of development projects especially roads network.
The MP furthermore argued that the extension of the constitutional legitimacy of the governorship does not mean extension of the term of Nyandeng Malek herself.
Chol’s criticisms echo those of other opponents of Nyandeng who said that the parliamentary decision-making process used to change the constitution to give her more time in office was rigged and not in accordance with the state constitution.
Some MPs claimed members “were forced to stand up” by security forces implementing an order of the speaker, breaking parliamentary rules and regulations.
But the Speaker of the state parliament, Moses Madot Dut, said the constitution was amended by simple majority, approving extension of the term of Governor Nyandeng to remain in office for three more years.
About 33 members reportedly voted in support of the extension of the term of the governor and 13 others voted against the amendment.
Photo: Nyandeng Malek