Opposition walks out on constitutional endorsement

The meeting was meant to ensure equal participation of all southern parties in the adoption of the Southern Sudan Interim Constitution, which was amended weeks ago.  

Members of the five opposition parties that walked out.The opposition parties in the walkout included the United Democratic Front (UDF), the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), the South Sudan Democratic Alliance (SSDA), the United South Sudan Party (USSP), and the South Sudan Democratic Front (SSDF).  
 
Speaking to reporters Saturday, party representatives accused the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) of violating a series of resolutions adopted by all Southern Sudanese political parties last October in Juba.

Known as the Final Communiqué, the resolutions comprised the working document for establishing the legal framework of the new nation’s government after independence beginning 9 July.

The SPLM-DC chairperson, Dr. Lam Akol.When disagreements over procedure arose at the endorsement meeting, Kiir indicated that any party was free to walk out. This was seen as a provocation by some opposition parties and a violation of the communiqué.

Speaking from Khartoum, Dr. Lam Akol, chair of the SPLM-DC, said his party would rejoin the meeting only if the communiqué is re-tabled.

Opposition parties continue to accuse the SPLM of a power monopoly over endorsement of the constitution.

Other issues of contention include disagreements over the length of a transition period for the new government.

The draft constitution was supposed to be legislated by 30 April.