Opposition Parties Withdraws Representative From Interim Constitution Review Process

8th March 2011 – (Juba) – At least Nine Southern Sudan opposition political parties have withdrawn their representatives from the interim constitution review process due to what they called “unfair representation” in the committee.

The Chair Person of the South Sudan Democratic Front party, Professor David de Chand addressed a press conference in Juba on Monday.

[David Dechan] “The rules and procedures were violated by the SPLM who had a majority of 41 members versus 11 members of other political parties thus; they imposed a vote in second meeting. We object to this to no avail. In spite of our previous agreement, the SPLM decided to use the simple majority contrary to what had been agreed upon as a means to reach decisions contentious issues of vital national interest. This means that no matter what input other political parties may have, their contribution is over ruled by the majority vote.”

However, Professor de Chand said that the opposition parties are ready to renegotiate with the SPLM for fair representation in the committee.