Parliament reopening delayed by quorum shortfall
By Aguok Chok
The Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly remains closed due to a failure to meet the required quorum despite continued registration of legislators.
In an interview with The City Review on Tuesday, Oliver Mori Benjamin, the Parliament Spokesperson, confirmed that although registration is ongoing, quorum has not yet been met.
“We have about 295 so far. Still 376 to meet the quorum,” Mori said.
He emphasized that without a quorum, parliament cannot reopen, “That is a prerequisite, and it is very compulsory.”
“The Parliament can only reopen when we get the quorum,” Mori added.
To gain deeper insight from Members of Parliament themselves, The City Review spoke to Joseph Abdalla Sudani, a lawmaker representing the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
Sudani said that while registration is ongoing, there is still no official communication confirming the reopening of parliament.
“There is no confirmation so far that Parliament will reopen,” he said. “When it does, it will be at the discretion of the President.”
He outlined the steps expected to be followed once the quorum is confirmed. “The Speaker will meet with the President, who will then set the timelines and deadlines,” Sudani explained.
“The Speaker will announce when quorum has been achieved.”
However, he expressed concern over the impact of the delay on legislative operations, particularly the national budget.
“Parliament’s regular activities are stalled. The budget is supposed to be tabled in May,” he said.
“This means there are no activities, except those related to the budget.”
The lawmaker warned that the continued delays could significantly hinder the preparation and approval of the national budget for fiscal year 2025/2026.
“It will negatively affect the budget seriously,” he emphasized.
He appealed to fellow lawmakers and the government to resolve differences through dialogue among them as leaders.
“We must work diligently as we prepare for the 2026 elections.”
“Our country needs an election. This election, I think the only solution for all of us. Extension and what, what… this way is not needed again. We are tired and our people are suffering.”
Sudani stressed the urgency of reopening the parliament, “We need to open the parliament because we have not passed all the laws. There are very few laws we have not passed.”
The lawmakers were expected to return from the recess on April 19, 2025.
The delay in reopening South Sudan’s parliament due to a lack of quorum is more than a procedural hurdle; it is a pressing national concern with serious implications for governance, particularly the timely approval of the national budget and preparations for the 2026 elections.
As lawmakers and political leaders call for renewed dialogue and swift action, the urgency to restore legislative functions is clear.
Without a functioning parliament, the nation risks further administrative stagnation at a time when decisive leadership and legislative momentum are most needed.
