2010 Elections | Official Thread

[SE9]

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[kitayabi]

Originally Posted by SE9

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thanks

[mughtareb]

The interim constitution stipulates that an elected president has a 5 year term and can only be re-elected once for a second term of the same duration. After the referendum next year I'm hopeful that the new constitution will set similar term limits (I actually think 10 years is too long a cumulative term). I would also like to see us take it a step further. From the experiences of our neighbours to the North and far West one issue we see again and again in Africa is nepotism and inheritance of leadership. I would love to see a constitutional amendment that precludes the election of an immediate relative of a previous president. That way we can avoid the controversy and instability that places like Egypt and Gabon have recently had to deal with.

[kitayabi]

prohibiting the election of an immediate relative of a president can be troublesome because any capable person should have the right to be elected, in any case that law would be devastating for the ummah party.

[chiefayic2]

Lam Akol to launch election campaign in Juba next week

February 28, 2010 (JUBA) – The former Foreign Minister of Sudan and leader of the breakaway Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, is expected to launch his election campaign next week in Juba.



Sudan’s SPLM-DC leader Lam Akol (AFP)

Dr. Akol who currently resides in Khartoum is also expected to participate in the forthcoming inter-parties dialogue which is scheduled to take place on the 3rd March.

The political parties in the South will discuss the code of conduct for the elections as many of them complain of harassment by the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Lam Akol launched this Saturday his electoral campaign in Malakal, capital of Upper Nile State, where he pledged if elected President of Southern Sudan Government to curb corruption, promote democratic freedoms economic development in the semi-autonomous region.

During the launch of his election campaign on Wednesday in Juba, the First Vice President of Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is the SPLM presidential candidate for Southern Sudan, assured that all political parties in the South would be allowed to campaign freely.

He said he would also wish to see Lam Akol, his only challenger in the elections for the post of the President, conducting his campaign in the Southern Sudan’s capital.

Major General Gier Chuang Aluong, minister of Internal Affairs told the press that the Southern Sudan Police Service would provide the necessary protection to Dr. Lam Akol if he launches his campaign in Juba.

Gier said in a press conference he held on Saturday that there are more than six thousand (6,000) personnel of the Police Service who are trained to protect the exercise of the elections in Southern Sudan.

He added that the Police Service has been supported by the Government of National Unity in Khartoum.

This week, Dr. Lam’s party office in Renk, Upper Nile state, was reportedly ransacked by SPLM supporters.

Some elements of the Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) in Malakal had earlier torn his pictures posted along the streets of the town.

It is yet to be seen whether his supporters in Juba and elsewhere will be freely allowed to move and rally behind him during his campaigns.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

Sudan’s SPLM needs ‘100%’ votes in Jonglei to ‘maintain history’

Sunday 28 February 2010

By Philip Thon Aleu

February 27, 2010 (BOR) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) stressed at the first electoral rally in Bor on Saturday that winning gubernatorial and parliamentary seats in Jonglei state would “maintain history.”



Photo: From Right to Left, Kuol Manyang Juuk, Gier Chuang Aluong and Michael Makuei Lueth react to supporters in Bor on February 27, 2010 (photo by Philip Thon Aleu – ST)

Addressing thousands of supporters at Bor Town Freedom Square, SPLM contenders, headed by candidate for Jonglei governorship Kuol Manyang Juuk, explained this year’s campaigns slogan of “freedom, peace and prosperity”.

On freedom, the SPLM at the rally said that principles of democracy, including free speech and media, are a “matter-of-fact” in the south. The SPLM deputy secretary for political affairs, southern sector, Antipas Nyok Kucha, lamented that the SPLM allows its citizens to express their concerns without intimidation “unlike in the past when you cannot ask your leader why he/she does not deliver any services?”

“It was a crime if question a politician. The SPLM says you are free to express your views in the way you are governed”.

The ex-Southern rebel group underscored achievements made in the last five years and urged voters to allow them to “cross the river.”

On the issue of insecurity, a vital element for this year’s gubernatorial campaign, there was finger pointing to the north and Juba for its slow response in quelling tribal fights over resources.

Boarding a pick-up car, SPLM’s Kuol Manyang Juuk, Baranaba Marial Benjamin, John Luk Jok, Michal Makuei Lueth and Gier Chuang Aluong, were waving to on-lookers and supporters escorting them throughout the town. Chanting ‘SPLM Oyee’ and praising the former rebel leaders with songs of liberation, it is now clear that this campaign is another testing struggle to the five years old party.

“There is lots to be done,” said SPLM candidate for Jonglei governor Kuol Manyang. “CPA implementation and particularly the preparation for 2011 referendum in the south need SPLM. This is another war,” he says.

“If you give the NCP [ruling National Congress Party] a chance, they will dishonor the CPA,” Mr. Kuol said in a challenge his NCP rival Joseph Duer. He cited 1972 Addis Ababa agreement that was broken by Khartoum thus ignited the 1983 war. A third candidate for Jonglei governorship is independent, George Athor. He was initially seeking election on SPLM ticket.

A number of SPLM members are contesting for the elections as independent candidates in Jonglei. Analysts say SPLM risks losing some seats following party’s nomination processes that disappointed many aspiring members.

Kuol noted today that constituencies where independent candidates are competing against SPLM cast some doubts of victory there.

“When two dogs fights over a borne, the third dog will take it,” Kuol quoted what the English saying in reference to SPLM versus independent, where the third contender, either NCP or southern opposition party, will have clear chances of winning.

As incumbent governor, Kuol outlined his areas of success in the last two years in power. He announced completion of Ayod – Akobo road yesterday, Friday February 26. A road network connecting Twic East, Duk, Ayod, Uror, Pibor, Bor and Nyirol Counties through Gadiang, a modern village under construction in eastern Twic, is underway. Construction of Bor-Pibor road will begin next week as breakthrough to what he calls “main challenger.” “And that is why I need your votes to complete what I had started,” he says.

“SPLM FOR PEACE”

In 2009, Jonglei experienced deadly inter-tribal conflicts over cattle raiding and child abduction. The clashes, where nearly two thousand people died, tainted Jonglei’s image and challenged the ability of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) to provide security to its citizens.

Kuol, who took office from Philip Thon Leek in December 2007 was tasked with restoring peace in the diverse state inhibited by six tribes of Jei, Dinka, Murle, Nuer, Anyuak and Kachipo.

He said in today’s rally that he proposed civilians’ disarmament since he took office but the response from the GoSS was slow – which he coherently attributed to limited resources.

“A lot of deaths occurred in 2009 and the response from GoSS [to calls for disarmament] was slow,” he saying adding that “We understand that there are no enough resources [in the south to finance disarmament programs].”

The SPLM state leader also accused the north governing party, the NCP, of not playing its part in contributing to stability in the south on areas of road connections that could increase police mobility to control insecurity.

With disarmament in the last phase, Mr. Kuol says he will work extra hard to maintain unity. He called upon the citizens to remain calm during the elections and asked for forgiveness if SPLM had offended anyone during the liberation war. “We are Christians,” he said “don’t punish us [SPLM] by denying us a vote. We want to take you across the river” in direct reference to 2011 referendum for self determination in the south.

Launching campaigns in Bor today revives memories of May 16, 1983 when the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the SPLM guerrilla military wing, started a war that ended in 2005 with peace accord.

“In Jonglei, SPLM needs 100% votes at all levels,” Mar Nyuot, the SPLM State deputy chairperson says. “We need this to happen in Jonglei for this historic town of Bor to maintain history,” he added.

KIIR TO VISIT BOR

The SPLM also announced that South Sudan candidate for President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has named Bor town for second campaign stop after Juba. Kiir, who will marathon the election campaigns against a SPLM breakaway political party in the south, the SPM-DC nominee Lam Akol, has also named Torit, another revolutionary town to visit after Bor. No dates are made public for both rallies in Bor and Torit. If Kiir comes to Bor in March 2010, it will be his first visit since 2007.

The significance these 2010 campaigns is that people in south Sudan are aware, for the first time, of the power they possess. Leaders are going out of their way to say “vote for me.” In Bor rally today, each candidate had a chance ask voters to “take me back to power.”

From Kuol Manyang Juuk and other SPLM candidates, everyone have his/her T-shirt for easy recognition. Giant posters were erected in the town to mark the beginning of campaigns as clock ticks to April 11 in the next 43 days of official 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 and the former southern rebel; the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in 2005.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

SPLM Gubernatorial candidate launches election campaign in W. Equatoria

Sunday 28 February 2010

February 27, 2010 (YAMBIO) — SPLM party has officially launched its campaign in Western Equatoria State (WES) on Saturday the 27th Feb. 2010 in Yambio at the Freedom Square after three miles procession to Sugu-siro by supporters.



The aspiring SPLM Candidate to contest for Governorship in WES Jemma Nunu Kumba was the guest of honor. The launching came after the end of SPLM campaign season, organized to orient its members.

Business centers in Yambio town were closed as trucks and buses stormed Yambio capital suburbs to ferry the supporters to witness the launching of the SPLM campaigns in Western Equatoria State Yambio.

Chanting the party songs, the jubilant procession headed from SPLM State secretariat to Suk-Siro 2 miles from Yambio town before settling at the freedom square in the heart of Yambio town where they listened to speeches from various party die-hards.

Unveiling their symbol of a white star in a black triangle, the SPLM candidate for the post of governorship H.E Jemma Nunu Kumba pledged to uphold the value of CPA and the interest of people of WES which include peace, equality and prosperity only acquired through SPLM.

She pledged to fulfill the plans laid by her if re-elected as governor, stressing the achievements obtained during her governorship in the past two years.

She also promised to provide security to all aspiring candidates irrespective of their political affiliation as the care taker of the state.

The deputy Chairperson of SPLM WES who is also the aspiring SPLM candidate for State Assembly from Maridi West constituency number 9, Comrade Edward Bukulu before welcoming the SPLM nominated Aspiring candidate for the post of WES Governorship said that, "Today marks the bright day for the new Sudan which is for all Sudanese despite colors that is why SPLM is against people who want to be on top of others being the message of New Sudan".

Bukulu further narrated the profile of Jemma, who was born in 1966 in Mopoi Payam under Tambura county, where she finished her elementary and joined Juba Day Secondary then to University of Namibia-Windhoek graduating with a Bachelor of Degrees in Public Administrations and political Science apart from other professional courses in the USA, Tanzania, Zambia etc hence she has full experience compared to others.

Stressing that, Jemma was amongst the SPLM delegations during the 2002-2005 Peace e agreement in Machakos and Nairobi and was the first woman to be elected by late hero Dr. John Garang De- Mabior in Juba in 2005-2008 for the national assembly in Khartoum. He also mentioned that, Nunu was elected in 2006-2008 in the foreign relation committee and the leader of the Sudan Parliamentary delegation permanent for the Pan African Parliament in Johannesburg South Africa and vice leader of foreign relation in conflict resolution making her fit for the leadership of WES .

Madam Jemma was nominated in March 2008 as the Governor of WES in which she made use of her experience in collaboration with all her cabinets via their corporations.

Edward exerted that, the April’s general polls is not like a hungry person rushing for a well roasted chicken ready on the table only to be eaten, because of hunger, but it should be a hunger of everybody that is the problem of all Sudanese.

STATE RESOURCES

Observers have criticized the SPLM in the state for the use of State resource to launch campaigns; all vehicles in the campaign reading GOSS plate number were seen at the rally – setting bad example for other smaller parties who are not in charge.

HUMANITARIAN AID

The continues claim by Jemma Nunu to have constructed Yambio-Tambura and Mobile phone networks is giving negative impact on her campaign as most civilians regard her as a liar claiming such humanitarian projects – observers say, road projects, mobile phone network and FM radio were planned by Brigadier Patrick Zamoi the first governor after CPA before what many Western Equatorians his “illegal removal.”

United States Agency for International Development is funding road construction in Western Equatoria, under the supervision of UNOPS – a project which negotiated by former minister of Finance John Dabi.

Jemma is yet to unveil her new developmental plans that she has planned and achieved her tenure in the office.

Development related to hosting CPA is part of national celebration, which is should not accorded to one person said, Keliopa Nzari, a resident of Bangasu payam.

Most residents of Bangasu refused to board two buses sent to carry them for attending SPLM gubernatorial rally, saying “they don’t clean water in their villages which can warrant their support to Jemma Nunu.”

State vehicles went to neighboring places to carry participants to attend the launching – with many being given 25SG as pocket after boarding the bus.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

SPLM launches official campaign in Rumbek

Monday 1 March 2010

By Manyang Mayom

February 28, 2010 (RUMBEK) - The Lakes state Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) state secretary organized the official launching of their campaign to elect Engineer Chol Tong Mayay as governor.



SPLM Lakes state governor candidate Chol Tong Mayay speaking in Rumbek Freedom Square

Chol Tong Mayay had won the party’s nomination during an electoral primary held at Palm-tree hotel. He is confronted by three others parties’ candidates, from NCP, UDSF and ANC-Sudan.

Over 7000 of Lakes state attended the official launching on Saturday at Rumbek Freedom Square. the Lakes state caretaker Governor Telar Ring was among the official in the ceremony. However three South Sudan musicians were brought to perform in the event including female artiest Nyankol Mathiang, David Pacong Mading and Marial Awuok Til.

Speaking to thousands of supporters, the SPLM governor candidate said that he is still having pain due to cross-checking dead in Lakes from recent local conflicts.

"All our brothers and sisters, elderly people and children were lost during our struggle – the solution to compensate them is the promise that the SPLM had brought to New Sudan – to deliver nice services to people ever and ever and to take town to the people rather people to the town, as said by our late hero Dr. John Garang – if you all vote for me this random dying will definitely stop and development will take place as well police training which will take off without objection", he told the crowd.

"I will work hard to make sure that traditional chiefs are given their salaries because chiefs had suffered a lot during our struggle and now they don’t have salaries, I will work hard for them so that they will get paid," said Chol.

He described potential improvements in electrical power and hospitals as ways to compensate the society from the losses of the long civil war. He mentioned also improvements to water sources for both humans and cattle, which he postulated would reduce insecurity from conflict.

"Vote for me, vote for Yasir Saeed Arman who is contesting for the Republic of Sudan in Khartoum as well Salva Kiir Mayardit who is contesting for South Sudan presidency, if you confirm us in power, I believe that all your pain will be healed within a week time," he promised.

He also added that if voted into power, SPLM would empower teachers with higher salaries, which he said they deserve because they are doing a great job.

Daniel Awet Akot, the outgoing governor, told SPLM supporters in Rumbek Freedom Square that all our skeletons are found everywhere in South Sudan, Darfur and Kassala: "vote SPLM candidates into power so that the mission and vision given to them during the struggle should get complete." He also promise that 25% of top positions for women if all women would vote for SPLM party.

Lakes state caretaker governor Telar Ring Deng affirmed that his entire vote must go to the SPLM party. He warn all an independent candidates not to use any SPLM logo or chant for the name of SPLM as they carry out their campaign.

Ring affirmed that “I will protect you all – I will provide enough security to all parties’ candidates - protection is my responsibility and I will do it to give you equal protection”.

Furthermore, Cde Chol Tong Mayay had been frequently meeting with university students, disabled people’s groups and chiefs whose support he won.

(ST)

[badro96]

Chiefayic,

From what I have been reading in ST, I think a lot of southerners will be voting for SPLM-DC. Please correct me if I'm mistaken!

But I think in South Sudan, Dinka voters will be voting SPLM for sure, probably Neur as well since their Riek will be vice-prez if the SPLM wins the elections.

Sudanese politics is very strange, I cannot believe that Northerners are not allowed to vote in South Sudan elections when Southerners are allowed to vote in Northern Sudan and the whole of Sudan elections!!!!!

I agree that only Southerners should be voting in the referendum, but I think Northerners should have a say on who to govern Southern states!!!!!

The only problem is secession will not solve any of our problems!

[King of Kush]

Originally Posted by badro96

Chiefayic,

From what I have been reading in ST, I think a lot of southerners will be voting for SPLM-DC. Please correct me if I'm mistaken!

But I think in South Sudan, Dinka voters will be voting SPLM for sure, probably Neur as well since their Riek will be vice-prez if the SPLM wins the elections.

Sudanese politics is very strange, I cannot believe that Northerners are not allowed to vote in South Sudan elections when Southerners are allowed to vote in Northern Sudan and the whole of Sudan elections!!!!!

I agree that only Southerners should be voting in the referendum, but I think Northerners should have a say on who to govern Southern states!!!!!

The only problem is secession will not solve any of our problems!

you are absolutely right, and not only am i afraid secession wont solve any of our problems but i fear it will take us back to square one with the issue of the south. Especially if the sensitive issues such as borders between north and south are not resolved.

[kitayabi]

rally South Darfur

[kitayabi]

NCP rally Juba

[kitayabi]

[kitayabi]

[chiefayic2]

Originally Posted by badro96

Chiefayic,

From what I have been reading in ST, I think a lot of southerners will be voting for SPLM-DC. Please correct me if I'm mistaken!

But I think in South Sudan, Dinka voters will be voting SPLM for sure, probably Neur as well since their Riek will be vice-prez if the SPLM wins the elections.

It is no secret that Lam's diehard supporters have been rigorously using the net to advance their cause. Reading some of their writings one would think that SPLM-DC stood a chance.....But it will be nothing short of miracle if they actually come close.

Sure, some people will vote for DC but if by "a lot" you mean significant percentage of South's voting population then you are mistaken. Why? Because DC has no concrete base in any particular area in South and that is including Shilluk kingdom where Dr. Lam hail from. Look, you have just said that DC is likely to lose Dinka and Nuer. Well, practically that would translate to losing 7 out of 10 states.

Mind you though, this is not all about tribal politic as you would want us to believe. It is just that, this is a very critical epoch in South's history and DC is perceived as nothing but an extension of NCP. Believe me, the last thing any southern political party or politician needs is to be seen as promoting northerners agenda.

It is all about trust really.

Sudanese politics is very strange, I cannot believe that Northerners are not allowed to vote in South Sudan elections when Southerners are allowed to vote in Northern Sudan and the whole of Sudan elections!!!!!

DUH! Southerners are allowed to vote in whole Sudan because they are Sudanese. As for them voting in northern states....Well, I am not aware of that. I don't see any logic to why southerners would waste their time voting for people who doesn't represent them in any way.

I agree that only Southerners should be voting in the referendum, but I think Northerners should have a say on who to govern Southern states!!!!!

Good luck with that....

The only problem is secession will not solve any of our problems!

No one is under any illusion that it will all be rosy after secession. However, it will sure solve some problems.

[chiefayic2]

SPLM governor pick Rezig Hassan campaigns in Wau

Tuesday 2 March 2010

By Ngor Arol Garang

March 1, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Rezig Zacharia Hassan, the gubernatorial candidate on the ticket of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), on Saturday launched his electoral campaign in Wau town, the capital of the southern state of Western Bahr el Ghazal.

The former Raja commissioner served under the recently replaced governor Mark Nyipuoc, whose post is now occupied by the caretaker governor Effesio Kon Uguak.

Rezig Zacharia Hassan draws support from politicians in the state including clan members of former governor Mark Nyipyuoc. He has a good working relationship with current caretaker governor Effesio Kon Uguak who doubles as official spokesperson of the state government as well as Minister of Information and Communication Services.

Effesio Kon Uguak reportedly holds a political grudge against the ex-governor, despite their shared clan affiliation. The rivalry led to Uguak’s removal from the position of SPLM state Secretary General in months that also saw the removal of Rezig Zacharia from the Raja county commissionership in 2008.

However, key members within Luo and Western Bahr el Ghazal State as a whole managed to convince then-Governor Nyipuoc to consider Uguak for a ministerial appointment in months leading towards end of 2008.

Both the SPLM governor candidate and acting Governor Uguak have a political friendship with the former commissioner for Wau East County, Colonel Wol Maduong. Wol, who was also removed by Mark Nyipuoc, petitioned for the removal of the governor. He is expected to come on board Rezig’s administration as state security advisor, if the SPLM candidate wins in the upcoming elections.

Addressing the crowd of his supporters on Saturday, Rezig told the citizens that they will enjoy good governance if he is elected as next governor. He also urged citizens to make the right choice when voting to ensure the right person is put in the right position.

Addressing the public on the same occasion, Secretary General of Western Bahr El Ghazal’s High Election Committee Arkangelo Udo reminded all campaigning candidates and parties to refrain for using government assets.

He said state-owned vehicles and offices must not be used to serve campaign purposes, cautioning campaigners not to use threats to coerce votes. All involved in campaigning must abide by the electoral code of conduct, Udo said adding that campaigners are not allowed to talk ill of other candidates or defame opposition political parties.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

Independent candidate tours W. Equatoria counties

Tuesday 2 March 2010

March 1, 2010 (TAMBURA) – Western Equatoria gubernatorial independent candidate has embarked on a campaign tour to Ezo, Tambura and Nagero counties, three days after he launched his campaign which drew thousands of his supporters in Yambio.



Col Bakosoro, addressing his supporters in Yambio on Feb 27, 2010 (Gift Friday)

The visit is the first of its kind since declared his intention to run as an independent candidate.

The second leg of his campaign has taken him to a region where he was once County Commissioner and many in the region remember him for his move which encouraged traders to build new shops during the murky days of southern Sudan.

Upon his arrival in Tambura County he was warmly welcomed by his Campaign Manager and members of the public in Tambura. Given the ban of what use to be South Sudan flag, his supporters waved green leaves.

Sudan Tribune confirms that, his arrival drew a perky large and enthusiastic crowd, who had waited for long for the man many refer already to as governor.

Col Joseph Bakosoro received a rousing welcome in Tambura, those who could not get near to him waited in hopes of catching a glimpse of Western Equatoria’s independent candidate.

He stepped from his vehicle and ignited the crowd by smiling and waving enthusiastically to them for several minutes before crusading to the heart of Tambura town.

The cheering and applause continued for at least five minutes as a smiling Bakosoro made several attempts to begin his campaign messages, but the audience would not quit until they had delivered their welcome songs.

Upon his arrival traditional dancers welcomed him with a new song created recently for his campaign trail.

The people’s choice While launching his campaign last week Col Bakosoro arrived at the freedom square on a three wheel motorbike known as “raksha” which rode him all the way from Masiya. His supporters rushed to the motorbike and carried him down. "This is the first time I have seen people being carried in the history of the Azande since the time of King Gbudue", said an old man who stood and watched him being carried.

"I came from Juba not to go back but to be with you here as your governor. You asked me to come here to be your governor and today I am here with you and if you let me down, we will all fall into the big ocean," he told his supporters.

Col Bakosoro stated that he joined the war in WES and fought together with other colleagues the war that brought the CPA. He stated that he is standing as independent candidate is to strengthen the CPA and democracy which many shaded blood for.

He dismissed rumors that he will chase away other tribes from the stated if elected governor of WES.

He continued by saying that every southerner have the right to live in any place anywhere in the South. "It was the people who asked me to come here to stand as independent and without you (the people); otherwise I would not stand as independent".

"What kind of a governor would I be if I chase people away who are not from this state?" He asked.

"I cannot promise you that I shall do this and that or build skyscraper buildings. We shall work together with all of you to build and develop our beloved state," he stated.

Col Bakosoro stated that he will bring back the people who ran away from the atrocities of LRA to their villages and provide them full security. He stated that he can only do this if elected as governor.

He said that he will change the way of business in the state by helping the local traders to become business minded people with reasonable capital because without helping them the state will be weak economically.

Among the things he would make priorities were: Education, Health, Security, Accountability, Development and Good governance.

Col Bakosoro narrated that he will never pay any person for his/her vote because he believes buying votes is completely illegally.

(ST)

[kitayabi]

Lam Akol will not likely win any of the states, but yassir Arman prancing about claiming that all Southerners will vote SPLM is kidding himself.

[chiefayic2]

South Sudan parties Develope An election code

Marvis Birungi

Southern Sudan political parties Tuesday 2 agreed upon an election code of conduct that will ensure free and fair inclusive elections.



At least 17 parties including the south’s ruling Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement SPLM met Monday with the African Union AU high level panel headed by Pierre Buyoya a former President of Burundi.

Reading the declaration, Mahmud Abdul, AU advisor mentioned that “The parties will ensure free, fair and inclusive elections.
The document further read that the parties must be protected from any form of intimidation and violence.

The parties also agreed to re-commit to the 2005 peace deal that ended a 22 year long civil war in the semi-autonomous region.

On the latter, the parties pointed to the right of self determination that shall be exercised in a referendum in January 2011.

“All political parties in Sudan re-commit themselves to implementing the provisions of the CPA fully and faithfully in accordance with the time agreed, especially with the right of self determination of the people of southern Sudan,” the document read.

According to southern Vice President Riek Machar, “It is a very important document because we are addressing issues of free and fair elections.”

“It commits all parties to play a fair game in the election process,” he added

Francis Luawala Yudah, secretary general of the United Democratic Front UDF in Central Equatoria called upon the ruling SPLM to abide by the Code of conduct and prove to the international community that the region is capable of conducting free and fair elections.

Labuk Simon, chief organizer of the youths for United Democratic Salvation front UDSF mainstream, supplemented that the code is a responsibility of both ruling parties in the south and in the north.

“The ruling parties must take the initiate to respect and implement the code of conduct,” he said.

The implementation is always the problem, said Jimmy Wongo, a member of the United Sudan African Party USAP.

“It’s the security organs supposed to implement the code to the latter,” he said. “However the security organs are under the government. It’s therefore the government responsibility to carry out matters to do with safety of the candidates,” said Jimmy.

The parties also agreed to solve disputes arising from the political parties concerning the out come of election to be resolved in a legal and peaceful manner in accordance with the democratic principles.

Peter Abdulman Sule, leader of UDF noted that the code should have been adopted way before the registration.

He affirmed that violations on many candidates that are non SPLM have been committed previously.

Clement Juma Mbugoniwia, party leader of the United South Sudan Party USSP said the code is a good initiative although it’s late.

“The code of conduct has been adopted in close dates to the elections,” he said.

“Much harassment has already been experienced,” added Mbugoniwia.

President of the government of south Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit reiterated his commitment to the code of conduct during his opening remarks.

“I want to assure all party leaders that we are committed to this process and the code will not be violated by the SPLM and I hope all of us will abide by what we commit our selves to,” said the Goss president.

“We will ensure that the elections campaigns are violent and intimidation free,” Kiir added.

Pierre Buyoya, a former Burundian president, who chaired the meeting for the AU said “My strong message is that to achieve free and fair elections is primarily the responsibility of the political parties, independent candidates and the government.

“This agreement is helping create a conducive environment for that,” he added.

Southern presidential candidate Lam Akol, who is from the splinter SPLM Democratic Change (SPLM-DC) party, also signed.

The northern-ruling National Congress Party (NCP) was not present at the meeting, but senior AU officials said the party had committed itself to signing the deal later.

The AU hopes to implement a similar agreement in the north, although northern based parties including the Umma and Popular Congress Party (PCP) signed the code in Juba.

(SOSA)

[chiefayic2]