Dr. Lam Akol, the leader of SPLM-DC during a previous public lecture in Juba [©Gurtong]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 27th January 2012 [Gurtong] - The South Sudan leading opposition party, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC) has said that the National Constitutional Review Commission, (NCRC) appointed by the President is not inclusive.
The party has requested for re-examination of the Commission for inclusivity, adding that the Constitution is a national issue that needs the collective efforts of all South Sudanese to participate in all sectors equally.
"We are saying it is not inclusive because the constitution might not be built through consensus, meaning that the government and the opposition must work together,” said Dr. Lam Akol, Chairperson of the SPLM-DC told the media in Juba.
“We don't have any member of the opposition in the permanent membership. Even the civil society has not been consulted. So, if it is really meant to be a constitution for the south, it must be done by consensus," Lam said.
Meanwhile, the NCRC Members have already been sworn in; the Commission includes 9 permanent members, excluding civil society and opposition. The Opposition party Chairperson has demanded President Salva Kiir to re-examine the formation of the constitutional review Commission.
Prior to the establishment of the Commission, the President’s constitutional mandate has received wide criticisms of undemocratic performance. South Sudanese women groups have accused the President of NOT abiding by the constitution and has also demanded for a review of the NCRC for gender balance.