Members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) is waiting for President Salva Kiir to decide if the House can go for recess or first debate and approve the long delayed national budget.
Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba, while addressing MPs on Tuesday, said that according to the parliamentary calendar, the legislature was scheduled to break for recess on 13 December.
“You are all aware that according to our calendar, we were supposed to break for recess last week on 13th December, but our regulations also say that to do that, we have to consult with the president,” she said.
The speaker explained that the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget which is currently before parliament may compel lawmakers to delay the recess to complete its consideration and passage.
“We have requested for ordinance from the president to consult him on this. And once we consult him, we shall communicate to you,” she said.
According to Speaker Kumba, the budget process makes it likely that the recess will be deferred, stressing that the move must comply with legal procedures.
While all countries in the East African region have passed their 2025/2026 fiscal year budgets, South Sudan remains the only country operating without an approved budget.
Kumba however, did not disclose when the budget will be tabled before parliament.
“Of course, you know the budget is already with us, and it is obvious that the recess will be extended, but this has to be fulfilled by the legal requirement that the president has to be aware of it,” she said.