The National Legislature comprising of Legislative Assembly with 227 votes and Council of States with 37 votes on Tuesday approved extension of the presidency and legislature lifespan for three years amidst opposition.
Speaker Manasseh Magok Rundial read out the vote count ruling that the passage of constitution amendment to keep the presidency, national and state legislature in power for 36 months to work for peace.
National Legislative Assembly Minority Leader Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec warned that such move threatens seize of power from the people in whom sovereignty is vested.
He lamented that it was unfortunate that the government machinery legislature passed the constitution amendment bill extending mandate without consultation and meeting civil societies and political parties’ stakeholders.
Warrap State Member of Parliament Nhial Deng Nhial challenged the decision of exempting elected governors from lifespan extension arguing that there is no rationale in it.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomurö agrees with MP Deng that removing elected governors without justification may plunge South Sudan into more chaos.
Some legislators are suggesting removal of elected state governors and subsequent appointment by the presidency.