In an exciting development for the future of South Sudan, the National Constitution Review Commission (NCRC) has announced that preparations are complete for a significant phase in the nation’s constitutional journey. Beginning in early October, the NCRC will launch a nationwide effort to gather citizens’ perspectives as part of the permanent constitution-making process.
At a three-day briefing workshop held in Juba, Oyet Patrick Charles, the Chairperson of the Civic Education and Public Consultations Committee of the NCRC, emphasized the importance of this citizen engagement initiative. “We are here today to conduct a final briefing for our members who will soon start collecting data that will be instrumental in the drafting of the constitution,” he said.
The NCRC’s first field deployment will cover key regions, including Eastern Equatoria, Lakes, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states. A dedicated team of 27 members—comprising commissioners, secretaries, and media officers—will spend a month interacting with citizens at the county level to ensure that diverse voices and opinions are represented.
While the timeline for this process faced some initial delays due to financial challenges, Oyet confirmed that the commission is optimistic about meeting its target of delivering the constitution by 2026. “The preparatory work has been completed; now it’s time to engage with the public, collect the data, and commence drafting,” he assured.
Jackline Nasiwa, Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice, also highlighted the significance of thorough preparation for commissioners prior to their deployment. “This has been a foundational practice of the commission to ensure that all commissioners receive refreshing training, promoting uniform messaging across the board,” she noted. This training includes equipping members with tools for civic education and conducting simulation exercises, ensuring that consultations are smooth and accurately reflect citizens’ views.
Moreover, the process has gained support from international organizations like UN Women. Korti William, the Acting Deputy Country Representative of UN Women in South Sudan, applauded the NCRC for its notable progress since its reconstitution in 2023. “Public participation is a cornerstone of the modern constitution-making process, fostering popular ownership and national consensus,” William emphasized.
In her closing remarks, William reiterated the vital role of inclusion, stating that women, youth, and persons with disabilities should actively participate in the constitution-making process. “This is not just a favor; it is an obligation,” she asserted. UN Women is committed to supporting a constitution that guarantees equality and reflects the aspirations of all South Sudanese citizens.
The NCRC’s initiative marks a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s governance and civic engagement, laying the groundwork for a constitution that resonates with the collective voice of its people. As this process unfolds, it not only strengthens democracy in South Sudan but also serves as an inspiring model for other nations in the region.
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