By Yang Ater Yang
The Civil Society Organisations Network (CiSON) in Lakes State has called on the state government to urgently reopen the Transitional Lakes State Legislative Assembly, which has reportedly been inactive for about 11 months.
The Assembly has not held regular sittings since November 2025, with the continued delay in reopening raising concerns among civil society groups over the impact on governance and service delivery.
The newly elected chairperson of CiSON Lakes State, Daniel Laat Kon, expressed concern over the prolonged closure, saying citizens are facing urgent governance challenges that require the attention of their elected representatives.
“We call upon the leadership of His Excellency the Governor of Lakes State, Gen. Madhang Majok Meen, and the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Agum Jacob Chagai, to prioritise the immediate reopening of the State Parliament,” Laat said.
He said the resumption of parliamentary sittings would allow lawmakers to carry out their legislative and oversight responsibilities, including scrutinising the implementation of the state budget, addressing petitions, and reviewing government policies.
CiSON said the prolonged absence of parliamentary sittings has created a governance gap and weakened the legislature’s ability to hold the executive accountable.
“A legislature that is not sitting in the August House cannot effectively hold the executive to account, and this undermines transparency, the rule of law, and democratic governance,” Laat said.
The civil society network urged Governor Madhang to engage with the Speaker and set an immediate date for the reopening and resumption of parliamentary sittings.
CiSON also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic institutions and said it would continue monitoring the reopening and performance of the Lakes State Parliament.