Traditional Authority Attains Power
The Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly (EESLA) has finally
passed the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders (COTAL) Bill into
law.
10 August 2011
Traditional Authority Attains Power
Front view of the EESLA's Headquaters in Torit, Eastern Equatoria
state [© Gurtong]
By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 9 August 2011 (Gurtong) – The Bill was passed in its third
reading on 1 August by 33 state lawmakers in the state capital Torit.
The move followed an earlier presentation by the State Minister of
Local Government Nartisio Loluke Manir on 4 July 2011.
Speaking to the press shortly after the passing of the Bill, Manir who
doubles as the State Deputy State Governor revealed that the Bill
underwent comprehensive scrutiny, including its presentation to the
Assembly’s Legal and Legislation Affairs Committee for assessment and
necessary amendments for its relevance.
He said the amendments were done in accordance with article 80 {1} of
the Interim Constitution of Eastern Equatoria State.
“The Bill will become the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders Law
once it is signed by the State Governor. The COTAL’s prime
responsibility will be to uphold and promote peace, resolve and
prevent conflicts as well as preserve cultural heritage, customs and
values”, said Manir.
He at the same time said that COTAL will be utilised as a consultative
interface between traditional communities and emerging modern state
structures in the wake of the new Republic of South Sudan.
The EESLA Speaker Emmanuel Ambrose Ocholimoi commended the Local
Government Minister Manir for his efforts in ensuring the Bill was
passed into law.
He said the ten-chapter law will provide for the creation of the
Council of Traditional Authority and will possess provisions for the
selection of representatives from across the ethnic divide.
Originally, the Bill was drafted in accordance with article 175 {1} of
the Interim constitution of Southern Sudan 2005 and with section 119
{1} (b) of the Local Government Act 2009.
The COTAL members, according to the Bill, shall be elected or selected
by the community taking into account norms and values of each ethnic
group like succession. The conduct of elections shall be supervised by
an electoral committee drawing one representative from Legal
Administration, Finance Ministry, Public Security, Local Government
Ministry and the Ministry of Social Development. The chairperson shall
come from Legal Administration.
Tenure of office
The term of office for members of the Council, as provided by the
Bill, shall be four years effected from a date of taking oath of
office by the members witnessed by the state Governor. Upon their
election, the Council shall during their first session, elect a
chairperson with his deputy to preside over meetings for a term to be
decided by the Council. Similarly, the Council may regulate election
and removal of chairperson and vice chairperson.
However, in the event of any vacancy arising in the office of the
chairperson, the vice by the virtue, fills the position until the
council elects a new chair in a period not exceeding thirty days.
Council Secretariat
The secretariat shall consist of chairperson, vice chairperson,
secretary and treasurer.
Posted in: Home, Governance, Parliaments, S. Sudan Independence
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