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Sudan Tribune

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SPLM’s Kiir campaigns in Jonglei State

By Philip Thon Aleu

March 12, 2010 (BOR) – SPLM candidate for South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, flanked with Riek Machar SPLM deputy chairman and vice-president of GOSS , campaigned on Friday in three counties of Jonglei: Akobo, Ayod, and Bor, the State capital.

Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) and Riek Machar Teny on arrival to Bor airstrip, on March 12, 2010 (by Philip Thon Aleu - ST).
Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) and Riek Machar Teny on arrival to Bor airstrip, on March 12, 2010 (by Philip Thon Aleu – ST).
Speaking to thousands of people – the largest political gathering so far in Bor town, Kiir Mayardit said optimistically that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) shall win April elections with a bigger margin in Jonglei.

Reading out the SPLM manifestos for April polls, Kiir said the determination to attaining peace, development, freedom and prosperity in the Sudan is the same vision that inspired southerners in Bor on May 16, 1983 to rebel against Khartoum.

“The SPLM/A fought for 21 years and brought peace,” he said, adding that the former rebel won’t leave power before referendum for self in south scheduled for 2011.

Kiir Mayardit is contesting for Southern Sudan president with Dr. Lam Akol of the SPLM-DC. Jonglei Staet, Gov. Kuol Manyang (SPLM) faces SPLM-turned independent George Athor Deng. Mr. Kiir’s choice for Akobo and Bor for electoral rallies also intends to support SPLM candidates facing steep competition from Independent candidates. In Akobo, South Sudan minister of energy and mining John Luk Jok is running against SPLM-turned independent Timothy Taban Jouch. Mr. Taban is the current minister of information in Jonglei state.

Meanwhile in Bor central constituency, South Sudan minister of legal affairs and constitutional development, Michael Makuei Lueth, is being challenged by an independent candidate Elijah Alier Ayom. Campaigning embattled candidates, Kiir says SPLM’s efforts to persuade independent candidates to allowed party’s nominees are futile. He calls upon local leaders and voters to intervene.

Kiir asked Michael Makuei to stand-up for recognition and described him as being held at the throat [by independent candidate]” but the SPLM needs him.

“Negotiate with independent candidates to join rank with SPLM,” says adding that “I heard Michael Makuei is being held at the throat” in reference to support gained by independent campaigns.

April polls are first inclusive elections in the south since independence in 1956 and part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between the NCP government and the former southern rebel; the SPLM in 2005.

(ST)

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