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By Ngor Arol Garang
April 24, 2010 (WUNROK) — The National Election Commission has today afternoon, at announced caretaker Governor and SPLM candidate for the gubernatorial post Paul Malong Awan Anei as winner of the poll.
- Paul Malong Awan (Photo form P.M. Awan website)
Governor Malong, who was contesting the position with the Independent candidate General Dau Aturjong Nyuol, initially led low in preliminary results locally announced in most polling stations in the three counties of Aweil North, West and south. General Dau wherewas in the lead.
However he picked up during additional two days given to compensate hours lost due to confusion and misplacement of voting materials and names of the eligible voters following official complaints calling for extension to seven day by the SPLM.
These additional days saw myriad of reports and accusations of intimidations, threats, physical assaults, expulsion and arrest of agents representing political contenders at all polling stations in five counties of the state. Violent resistance from some agents saw clashes between them and police forces resulting into the death of a police officer in the name of Major Makuei Arech.
The poll however concluded peacefully as no further clash occurred between polices forces and agents. Authorities in Juba also instructed General Dau to leave the town to avoid building of tension during votes sorting and counting operation period between supporters.
According to announcement made by national electoral board, Governor Paul Malong Awan Anei got 162,209 votes while his main rival, an independent candidate; General Dau Aturjong Nyuol was given 84,452.
Two candidates from other political parties in the name of Commander Kawac Makuei Kawac from South Sudan United Democratic Front and Joseph Ajuong from the National Congress Party got respectively 9854 and 3228 votes.
None of them conceded defeat but showed no intention to use violence as alternative to expressing their anger for cheating.
Responding to the announcement, an official who requested anonymity said hope governor Malong who has received results in his favor will initiate a process of reconciliation, rehabilitation and development.
"I also hope that he will protect the lives and property of the people of North Bahr El Ghazal State without discrimination," the official said adding that he should serve the people who did not vote for him as well as the people who voted for him.
"Equally, in pursuit of peace and tranquility in the state, I hope the unsuccessful candidates for governor of the state will concede to the elected governor. In democracy, there are only winners and losers", the official added in conclusion.
(ST)
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