Census, Referenda and Elections

There shall be a National Bureau of Statistics.

The National Bureau of Statistics shall be an independent statistics bureau authorized, inter alia, to: (a) collect, compile, analyze and publish all official statistical information on economic, social, demographic, environmental and general activities and conditions of the people of South Sudan; (b) conduct all censuses and surveys that are carried out throughout South Sudan; (c) monitor and evaluate social impacts of public policies, projects and programmes; and (d) monitor the progress of poverty alleviation and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

The President shall appoint a Board of Directors and the Director-General of the Bureau. The Board shall be the highest policy-making body of the National Bureau of Statistics; it shall formulate policies and set its internal regulations, priorities, standards and criteria for all the censuses and surveys to be carried out in South Sudan.

The organization, structure and powers of the Bureau, and terms and conditions of service of its personnel shall be regulated by law.

The National Government shall during the Transitional Period conduct a population census the outcome of which shall, inter alia, determine the number of electoral constituencies for the next general elections.

Pursuant to Schedule A(30) herein, the President, or the National Legislature, through a resolution passed by more than half of all its members, may refer for a referendum any matter of public interest.

Any matter submitted for a referendum shall be deemed to have been approved by the people of South Sudan if it has obtained more than half of the number of votes cast.

Any matter which has been approved by the people of South Sudan in a referendum shall have authority above any legislation. It shall not be annulled save by another referendum.

Whoever runs in any election shall respect and abide by this Constitution and the law.

There shall be established an independent commission which shall be known the National Elections Commission.

The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and members of the Commission shall be persons of proven integrity, competence, non-partisan and impartial, and shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and the law.

The Commission shall perform the following functions: (a) prepare the general electoral roll and pursue its annual revision; (b) organize and conduct general elections, by-elections, and local elections in accordance with this Constitution and the law; (c) organize and conduct any referendum in accordance with this Constitution and the law; (d) perform any other relevant function as may be prescribed by law.

The structure, composition, powers and terms and conditions of service of the Commission shall be regulated by law.