The Debate: ‘FEDERALISM A MUST FOR A VIABLE STATE”

By Gatmai Buom Ruot

June 06, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — There are roughly 25 federal countries in the world today which together represent 40% of the world’s population. They include some of the largest and most complex democracies such as India; united states; Germany; Brazil and Mexico. Their systems of government while it can be complex have made them amongst many countries the most prosperous countries in the world with high standard of government services.

Historically most federations were results of previously separate entities; the American thirteen colonies; the Swiss cantons coming together to form a federal government. The entities would keep some powers to themselves but others were pooled with central government of new country.

More recently; previously unitary countries such as Spain; Belgium and South African have adopted federal structure as a way of maintaining common central government for some purposes while empowering regional governments for other purposes.

In many diverse societies; federalism permits a recognition both of this diversity and of common interests and identity at the same time.

Among the federated countries include the following;
1. Australia
2. Brazil
3. Canada
4. Ethiopia
5. Germany
6. India
7. Mexico
8. Pakistan
9. Nigeria
10. United states of America
11. United Arabs Emirates
12. Spain
13. Venezuela
14. South Africa
15. St Kitts and Nevis
16.Micronesia
17. Malaysia
18. Bosnia and Herzegovina
19. Comoros
20. Belgium
21. Austria
22. Argentina
23. Switzerland
24. Nepal
25. Russia

Countries in transition to federalism are:
1. Iraq
2. Sudan
3. South Sudan.

Federalism is the best system of government that south Sudan should adopt given that it recognizes the diversity of the societies and it effectiveness in service delivery and other forms of administration.

Am for Federal Democratic Republic of South Sudan.
(FDRSS) what about you????????

The author, Gatmai Buom Ruot, is a concern South Sudanese residing in Kenya. He can be reached at nelsongbuom@gmail.com