South Sudan’s parliament has withdrawn its nominees for the regional East African Legislative Assembly (Eala).

The nine nominees – Gai Dheng Nhial, Joseph Okelle, Ann Itto, Gabriel Garang, Gabriel Alaak Garang, Thomas Duoth, Gedion Gatpan Thoan, Isaa Aiz Justin and Elias Adil – were rejected due to irregularities in their nomination.

President Salva Kiir reportedly handpicked the nine members and announced their nomination in a presidential decree two months ago in March.

But the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) challenged the nomination of the nine members citing irregularities in the procedure.

According to the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the members of the Eala should represent various political parties and shades of opinion.