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Sudan Tribune

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Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket

By Philip Thon Aleu

January 3, 2010 (BOR) – Jonglei Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk summits his application form on Saturday to Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Electoral College for state gubernatorial position.

Jonglei Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk (by Ph. Thon Aleu- ST)
Jonglei Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk (by Ph. Thon Aleu- ST)
Gov. Kuol says the SPLM dream for democratic Sudan is at hand and the time is ripened for people to choose their leaders.

The SPLM Electorate College is composed of 25 members at States level. In Jonglei, the group is reflecting the six tribes, according to officials. The party’s Electorate College is responsible of releasing application forms to interested party’s candidates and receiving them back. Forms for Sudan federal parliament, state Governor, South Sudan and state assemblies’ are available here. Other forms include party list and women representation. The body also deals with creating awareness for elections and ensures that “power is given back to the people;” said Norah Zangabeyo, a supervisor for the SPLM Electorate College in Jonglei.

More persons, from SPLM, could be interested in the one post but they have to be first screened by their constituencies for members of parliament. In case the constituency failed to represent one candidate, the SPLM Electorate College then decides based on answers provided to questions on the application forms.

Norah says the party’s Electorate College will observe maximum code of conduct while nominating applicants for various posts. “There is no joke. The power is given back to the people,” she says.

For the post of state governorship, Gov. Kuol is not the only one seeking election on SPLM ticket. However, the Electorate College decline to release the name(s) of those who had collected application form(s) but promise to make applicants names public when the deadline extended to January 05, 2010 passed. Gov. Kuol, accompanied by over 500 supporters to SPLM office in Bor, says “I think I’m the favorite” for this election on SPLM ticket.

Gov. Kuol talked about unity, peace and development in the next five years once given a chance.

“We fought the war [of liberation] because of democracy and development in our region,” he told his supporters outside the office after dropping nomination form. The group responded by shouting “SPLM Oyee. Our strong Governor Oyee.”

Present where state ministers Taban Juch of information and Gabriel Gai Riam of parliamentary fairs who had just turned SPLM after dissolving his party. Bor Commissioner Maker Lual Kuol, Akobo County Commissioner Goi Jooyul Yool and various aspirants for parliamentary seats including Alier Ayom who is challenging South Sudan minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutionals Development Michael Makuei Lueth, in Bor north constituency, were also present to show support for Gov. Kuol.

Speaking on behave of supporters State Minister Gai Raim said “because Kuol have a vision for state unity and development. That is why we rallying behind him by uniting in SPLM.” A youth representative from Pochala said his county supports Gov. Kuol.

However Gov. Kuol said should the SPLM Electorate College nominate a different person rather him, “I will support that person because nobody is above the constitution. I also think that person will support me as well in case I win [party’s nomination].”

Sudan Tribune has seen signed nomination forms from seven Counties seconding Gov. Kuol’s election. The Counties are Uror, Nyirol, Bor, Duk, Twic East, Ayod and Pochala. Akobo says it’s supporting Gov. Kuol and the County is represented today by her leader Goi Jooyul. About 7,000 legible voters signed nomination forms which overflows the minimum 5,000 signatories required for governorship by SPLM Electorate College.

It is not yet clear whether there are other aspirants for the post of Governor from other political parties in Jonglei state.

As a State governor, Mr. Manyang calls for peaceful electoral processes including election later in April. Mr. Manyang was nominated by South Sudan President in December, 2007 replacing Philip Thon Leek.

SPLM CONTENDERS AND OVER COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Meanwhile, competition is steep among SPLM aspirants for parliamentary seats at South Sudan and State Assemblies. For a case study, the Sudan Tribune interview contenders for Bor north constituency where South Sudan minister of Legal Affairs and Constituency Development Michael Makuei Lueth hails. Mr. Makuei faces two challengers. One of the contenders, Alier Ayom Aluong, told the Sudan Tribune that he wants to end “personalization of [parliamentary] seat” and claims that the constituency supports his view. Bor north constituency encompasses Makuach and Bor Town.

“His Excellence the Minister [Makuei Lueth] says the seat belongs to him. This is not true,” Mr. Alier told the Sudan Tribune here on Friday in an exclusive interview.

“Makuach Payam has decided to support me….and this is public opinion,” he added. According to Alier, a dancing community members headed by five chiefs who witnessed summation of his application to SPLM Electorate College on Thursday “was a reflection of our popularity,” he said to acknowledge Chol Gai Arou who is challenging Maker Chol Adol from the same constituency for Jonglei state assembly’s seat on SPLM ticket.

As required by SPLM, aspirants must win community endorsement. In Bor north constituency, the row is tense. Both contenders say the community supports them.

After a series of meetings held in Bor County’s Makuach Payam were not materializing, a committee composed of other Payams citizens was formed to look into the SPLM nomination processes. Both meetings aim at convincing the aspirants to allow one. None seems to adhere willingly to these calls. However, the latest Bor Community Committee allows incumbent legislators but opponents say the community view is being ignored, hence, SPLM Electorate College to sort out.

“There SPLM has being with the people for so long. I think the SPLM [Electorate College] will do the right thing [since] the opinion of the public has being expressed,” Alier Ayom said when asked to comment on the Electorate College.

Alier Ayom Aluong and Majok Ayom Dor – both challenging Makuei Lueth has submitted their application forms to SPLM Electorate College in Bor. The SPLM Electorate College will, therefore, decide. Chol Gai Arou – who is contesting for parliamentary being currently held by Maker Chol Adol, has also submitted his form. But Makuei Lueth and Maker Chol have being cleared by a Bor Community committee– a group formed mid-way when discussion became edgy, as the right people for their current jobs – something opponents dismiss and describe as “element of differences.”

When asked why he advanced with his application to SPLM Electorate College when he is blocked by the Bor Community Committee, Alier says his people in Makuach and Bor Town Payams have endorsed him “but who is there to alter public opinion?”

“There is an element of politic difference and this is politic,” Alier added. He, however, calls for calm during this difficult time.

The former rebel SPLM rules the southern Sudan following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. Also all the members of the southern Sudan ruling party in the federal parliament, the semi-autonomous region and southern states assemblies were nominated by GoSS President. However, the CPA calls for election that now due this April as for the first time, people of Southern will vote their leaders.

(ST)

72 Comments

  • Michael Madit Magot
    Michael Madit Magot

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    We are all behind you His excellency Kuol de manyang.
    No other strong leader like you who could unite people and avail security.

    Best wishes!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  • Samson
    Samson

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    He took a peace of cake so go head Mr.Governor, power without no competition you deserved.

    Woooooooooow peace shall be and will be with people of Jonglei.

    Reply
  • Dinka Boy
    Dinka Boy

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Dear Jonglei State citizens, the truth must be stated. In fact, Governor Kuol Manyang is really far away from tribalism, corruption, nepotism and greediness since the formation of SPLM upto now.
    Why are we denying the truth?, and why not we approciate those who did right things.
    I support Kuol Manyang to take the seat again like those of Pachalla, Akobo and the rest because he shows the sign of development in his states,and even he reduced the tribal conflict in the state too by troubling to the counties of the state of peace and unity.
    Thanks

    Reply
  • Guotdit Guot Guot
    Guotdit Guot Guot

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Unbelivable divine person is trying to be more popular and he is a murdered. kuol manyang is still guilty he is didn’t face the justice.

    Reply
  • Controller
    Controller

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Jonglei State is not for Dinka Bors alone

    I can’t believe that Gabriel Gai Riam and Goy Jock yool who were the native son Akobo supporting Kuol Manyang.

    Governor Kuol Manyang has disarmed Lou Nuer and Gaawar Nuer while leaving his people and Murles with their guns to kill your people day and night.

    Mr. Gabriel Gai Riam is that the kind of vision you and your comissioner standing behind Kuol Manyang for second term? Shame on you.

    Governor Kuol Manyan must go. It is time for change.

    I believe that there are willing and capable men and women who are ready for the position of Jonglei governor.

    For Example, Sarah Nyadak Paul, Robecca Nyadeng Garang, James Kok ruek, Tot Chol, Kuony War Joaack, Taban Juch, Simon Gatwech Dual, Gabriel Yoal Dok, Chuol Rambang,Hoth guor Luak, John Luke Bayak, Gatluak Reath kuil, Moses Majock Gatluak, Doyak chol, Yien jiek, Yien Kuany, Yien Bielieth, Yien Makuach, William Kuol chol, John Kong and John Luke jock.The above mentioned candidates can do better job and vision more than Kuol.

    Thank you all

    Reply
  • tayeb M. Alhassan
    tayeb M. Alhassan

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Things are moving so; everyday we are going to see a new candidate launches himself whether to be elected as a state governor or president. We, the people of Sudan regardless of color, religion or place we have to know our duties, commitments, and responsibilities to wards our country. A new staff at the higher levels is going to take office through ballot. YOU who are going to choose for yourselves and nobody else then forget about that candidate going to have supporters from his own tribe or clan because in Sudan that is normal according to the social structure. Moreover democracy still beyond understanding and it may take decades to be understood. Tribalism, localities, ethnicities are out of the question when national change events dramatically take place, anywhere, and this time fortunately in SUDAN not in America.
    You have to remember, if you like the candidate or dislike him the only way to express yourself to pull him down or push him forward is to cast your vote in the ballot box to make the difference otherwise marginal chattering will be of no effect. Now get yourself organized and think of what you are going to do on the elections DAY.

    Thank you all.

    Reply
  • Gatwech
    Gatwech

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Well the supporters of Kuol Manyang can bark, hiss and even quake, but voting for Kuol for another 5 years term is like voting for more tribal fighting in Jonglei state and continued lack of development in the area.

    Jonglei state is the most backward in all the ten states of South Sudan as international independent reports suggest, with no roads connecting counties between them and the headquarters. It is also unfortunately the first in tribal conflicts because of dishonest and unfair leadership Kuol Manyang.

    Can enlightened citizens vote for a governor that has failed them developmentally and encouraged tribal wars between communities? Unless the people of Jonglei do not assess such issues, voting for Kuol is a disaster.

    I hope the SPLM poltit bureau will not select him as the sole candidate, otherwise independent candidate in the state will win the votes. Don’t believe in the fake report that many counties endorse Kuol. That is not true. They can NEVER endorse a failure!!!

    Reply
  • chuol abdalla
    chuol abdalla

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Dear all.
    i Really appreciate what you guys talks about it.forget about kuol manyang.Manyang will not come againe as Jonglei Governor. kuol has no supporters in Akobo county,Nyirol and Uror county.
    thanks

    Reply
  • Justin Chicago opiny
    Justin Chicago opiny

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Keep your Governor intact.He is the right person in the right place and at the right and ripe time.Good luck!!

    Reply
  • Time1
    Time1

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Kuol Manyang should focus on improving security and also improving the agricultural system in Jongolie so the people can produce enough food and then education in all jongolie counties, This should be the top three agenda of Kuol Manyang, he should not say he is favourite without laying out his agenda, he has to have a clear agenda and then start to work to achieve that agenda of more security, more food production and more education, this is what Jongolie people need very much right now.

    Reply
  • Chol Mading
    Chol Mading

    Jonglei Governor seeks election on party ticket
    Dear all,

    I am from Bor town and I supported Gov. Kuol first nomination on account of his promises to eradicate corruption, tribal conflict, and to bring security to Junglei. But these promises yielded no fruit. Jungle still insecure, tribal conflicts still existed, and corruption still an order of the day. My question to Governor Kuol is: what are your objectives now to retain this position? What is there you haven’t tackled? You have failed us in last three years and I think it time for new person to step in and try those under scored issues.

    Chol Mading

    Reply
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