The Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly (WESTLA), Rt. Hon. Ann Tuna Richard, has issued an order suspending the emoluments of Members of Parliament who have failed to attend ten consecutive sittings without official permission.
The directive, announced on Monday, applies to lawmakers from nearly all political parties that are signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
However, the Speaker exempted those officially on maternity or medical leave.
Speaker Ann said the decision aims to enforce discipline and accountability within the Assembly, noting that chronic absenteeism undermines the legislature’s constitutional role in representing citizens and promoting good governance.
“I urge our honorable members, especially those who continue to boycott sittings, to desist from such practices,” she said.
“You were to serve the people, to be their voice and bridge between the community and the executive.”
She added that the Assembly cannot effectively deliberate on issues affecting the state when members neglect their duties and fail to participate in key discussions.
