2010 Elections | Official Thread

[chiefayic2]

Smaller parties in Sudan’s W. Equatoria accuse governor of using state resources for campaign

Thursday 4 March 2010

March 3, 2010 (YAMBIO) – A number of smaller opposition parties in Western Equatoria state have accused the caretaker governor of massive utilization of government resources and assets during campaign rallies.



A deadly accident occurred March 1 involving this vehicle used in campaigning.

The Western Equatoria caretaker governor, Jemma Nunu Kumba, also doubles as SPLM flag bearer for the Western Equatoria gubernatorial contest.

During the launch of the SPLM campaign in this agriculturally rich state, over 50 government vehicles were used to transport civilians to make the launching colorful and famous.

Concern about this has been raised by WES gubernatorial independent candidate Col. Joseph Bakosoro: "It is deplorable to witness the excessive use of government resources by one candidate, given the fact that the resources are under the government which is composed of other parties."

Two days ago, a double cabin Land Cruiser (plate GOSS WES – 0017C) overturned and left the driver dead and many others wounded. The vehicle had left Source Yubu for Yambio, after the agents of the caretaker governor were chased in Source Yubu where they had gone to campaign for the caretaker governor.

Political parties and independents have been banned from using Yambio FM, which is the only medium of reaching the grassroots.

"Nobody apart from the caretaker governor should talk over FM concerning the election," one of his aides was quoted as whispering to Yambio FM Interim administration.

There are also some fears of intimidation. It was reported that the incumbent governor urged foreign community leaders to convince their people to vote for her in the coming general elections, or else face deportation.

It was also said that two days ago the Office Manager of Ibba County Commissioner was caught red handed advising one SPLA soldier of Battalion 137 that, “nobody should campaign in Ibba county for governorship except Nunu.”

Ordinary people who have lived for five years in dire poverty after the signing of CPA see this as “bullying and mere jokes.”

"Why at this time? I’m a Christian and I live on my faith, [but] at this moment I’m not talking to [God] because I’m very bitter at this stage, we need change," said Keliopa Mboriyo.

He and his family fled to Gangura payam to Yambio where they now fear for their lives.

"Anyone who is resisting the change has something to hide - it’s as simple as that," he said. "If you have nothing to hide, let’s do the elections to establish what has happened."

[chiefayic2]

Sudan radio prevents candidate from addressing Bashir’s ICC warrant

Thursday 4 March 2010

March 3, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese state radio blocked the leader of the Umma Party and one of twelve runners in the presidential race from broadcasting his speech over a number of items that it labeled as “inciting prejudices and hatred against the state”.



Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi (Umma Party)

The twenty minutes pre-recorded audio message was to be broadcasted on radio as part of rules allowing presidential candidates to utilize the state media to deliver electoral campaign programs. Sudanese opposition parties however have said that time is unevenly distributed and leaning sharply in favor of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).

The Umma party issued a statement saying that the radio director called them on Wednesday afternoon to express reservations regarding portions mentioned by the former prime minister Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi in his statement.

Among the twenty objectionable items is description of government officials as ‘Inqazists’ [Salvationists] in reference to the 1989 coup named at the time as the National Salvation Revolution.

The officials at the radio opposed a reference made to the Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir as a “head of state wanted internationally” by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for responsibility on war crimes allegedly committed in Darfur.

The former prime minister’s also spoke on the summary executions that took place since the 1989 coup against military officials, political opposition and individuals accused of trading in hard currency in the early 90’s.

Al-Mahdi also accused the NCP of creating an atmosphere making the secession choice in the South Sudan 2011 referendum as “inevitable”.

The Umma party statement said they attempted to dispute the assessment made with the radio top officials with no success asserting that Al-Mahdi’s criticism “was objective and not personal”.

“The NCP presidential candidate and its leaders threw competing parties with baseless allegations that were carried by state media with all humility and cursed at the democratic government with constitutional legitimacy [pre-1989 government led by Al-Mahdi”.

“They [NCP] said that their competitors are receiving funds from [Western] embassies and supplied no evidence for their unfounded allegations while the Imam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi did not throw baseless accusations since the military officers were already executed and he said that their execution was not fair, and the issue of separation being inevitable because of Inqaz policies…became essentially known in the nation”.

“The issue of the head of state being wanted internationally is an info that requires no proof since he is being sought whether we like it or not and the Ingazists themselves are talking about Ingaz…disputing the term is a pointless one in favor of the NCP”.

The statement said that “it became clear” that the purpose is to “muzzle” Al-Mahdi and threatened this incident to the National elections Committee (NEC) and until then they will cease any dealings with the state radio unless they receive a formal apology.

Sudanese opposition parties have complained about the credibility of the National Elections Committee NEC and restrictions imposed on political associations and gathering by the authorities. Furthermore, the political parties contest that they are not treated fairly in comparison to the NCP candidates.

The Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) presidential candidate Yasir Arman has boycotted a recording at the state media for what he described as bias and control by the NCP over coverage of their activities.

Yesterday the opposition parties issued a joint statement announcing their withdrawal from the Joint Media Council for Elections saying they were not consulted in its formation and that it does not have fair representation.

The statement said that they have submitted their recommendations on the improving its work but were ignored by the NEC prompting their decision.

A Sudanese journalist in Khartoum who is following the elections closely told Sudan Tribune that it is to be expected that the state media will not broadcast a number of sensitive topics that may hurt NCP stakes in the elections.

“They cannot allow anyone to come on TV and say for example that Bashir cannot travel freely or speak of massive tortures and executions that took place in the hands of the very people running in today’s elections” the journalist said.

“The NCP wants to shift people’s attention away from the widespread corruption led by its figures since they came to power to how they extracted oils, stopped rationing, built roads and tall buildings” he added.

He further said that the government recognizes the “bad deeds” they have done to its people but is attempting “to erase it from people’s memories”.

The NEC has urged political parties to refrain from tribalism and disseminating messages that fuel violence during the process.

Yesterday Human Rights Watch (HRW) sent a letter to the European Union (EU) urging its electoral observes heading to Sudan to “look at entire human rights situation and how it is affecting the elections environment”.

“Authorities harassed, assaulted, and arbitrarily arrested political party observers and human rights activists, including Darfuri students who have spoken out about elections and other sensitive topics such as the role of international justice in Darfur. Southern Sudanese authorities were also responsible for human rights violations, arbitrarily arresting and detaining members of the northern ruling National Congress Party and political parties seen to be in alliance with it”.

The letter also highlighted the ICC’s outstanding warrant against Bashir arguing that the EU should refrain from direct contact with him in view of the pending arrest warrant.

“Al-Bashir is a wanted man who needs to answer to charges of heinous crimes at the ICC….EU silence on this issue risks tacitly endorsing Khartoum’s total obstruction of justice for atrocities against Darfuris”.

Most candidates has avoided touching on this sensitive topic during their elections campaign which observers say is due to a fear of retaliation from authorities or political considerations.

In his banned message Al-Mahdi suggested that electing him will improve relations with the international community contrary to a government under Bashir indicted by the ICC.

“We can deal with the international community because we are not or accused or followed or criminals who committed crimes against anyone or shed anyone’s blood…..so that we can engage with the international community and ask the international community to forgive Sudan’s debt which now stands at 34 billion dollars” he said.

The legislative, regional and presidential elections on April 11 will be Sudan’s first since Mahdi was elected. Under electoral commission rules, the candidates are allowed an equal amount of airtime on national radio and television.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

DUP leader renews call for genuine democratic transition

Thursday 4 March 2010

March 3, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Mohamed Osman Al Mirghani, leader of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) launched on Tuesday the election campaign of his party from eastern Sudan town of Kassala where he renewed his call for a genuine democratic transition in the country.



Eastern Sudan is considered one of the regions of influence of the second important political force according to the results of last democratic election in 1986.

Al-Mirghani who signed as leader of an opposition umbrella, National Democratic Alliance, a peace agreement in June 2005 sponsored by the Egyptian government had refused to return to the Sudan requesting the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to implement democratic transition as it had been agreed in Cairo.

He also launched an initiative for a comprehensive national reconciliation, to reach a national consensus on Sudanese political problems including CPA implementation and Darfur crisis.

In a rally attended by thousands of supporters the DUP leader urged the ruling National Congress Party to achieve a genuine democratic transition in the country and urged Sudanese political forces to adopt his initiative.

The former close ally of the late chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, John Garang announced he would travel soon to Juba for the first time since the implementation of the CPA.

Al Mirghani had declined an invitation to attend a meeting of opposition parties held last year in Juba. He also turned down calls by the NCP to forge a political alliance before the elections.

The DUP runner for the presidential election Hatim Al-Sir accused the NCP of attempting to hinder Al-Mirghani arrival to Kassala, pointing out that the number of people attending the electoral meeting in Kassala demonstrates the popularity of the party.

(ST)

[badro96]

Originally Posted by 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.

very true indeed

[kitayabi]

South Sudan radio stations say raided ahead of vote
05 Mar 2010 15:53:00 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Skye Wheeler
JUBA, Sudan, March 5 (Reuters) - Security officers forced their way into two south Sudanese radio stations and detained staff after one of them an interview with an election campaigner, staion managers said on Friday.
Media activists said the raids on Bakhita Radio and Liberty FM highlighted harassment of journalists in the south in the run-up to presidential and legislative elections next month.
Staff at Liberty FM told Reuters armed men who said they were from south Sudan's police burst into the station's office in the southern capital Juba on Wednesday and forced it to stop broadcasting.
"They came with guns held high," said station manager Albino Tokwaro. "(One of the men) locked up the radio building and took the keys with him."
Tokwaro said he was taken to a police station and interviewed by a senior officer. "He said 'You are producing bad programs that bring hatred of the people.'"
Tokwaro said Liberty FM had aired a live interview with a member of the campaign team for Alfred Lado Gorre, an independent candidate for the governorship of Central Equatoria state, which includes Juba.
He said the interview had included complaints about the lack of clean water, health facilities and good roads in the city.
No one was immediately available to comment from the police.
The south's Roman Catholic Bakhita Radio released a statement saying security men also raided its premises on Wednesday and arrested the manager, Sister Cecilia Sierra Salcido, a nun, without explaining their actions.
"We felt offended by the way the directress was taken from her office to the car under police escort," the statement read.
Both stations said staff were later released and they were able to resume broadcasting the same day. Bakhita Radio said it later received an apology from the Director of Security in Central Equatoria State.
Southern rights group the Agency for Independent Media on Friday said the raids amounted to attack on press freedom.
"We expect more intimidation, more harassment of journalists and even the detention of some of our journalists across the south," agency head David de Dau told Reuters.
The elections were promised in a 2005 peace accord that ended more than two decades of north-south civil war in Sudan.
The south's semi-autonomous government is dominated by the former southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) which is widely expected to win most of the southern seats. (Editing by Angus MacSwan)

[chiefayic2]

Sudan’s security arrests political activists after spontaneous meeting

Saturday 6 March 2010

March 5, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese security service arrested three members of a political group campaigning for electoral mobilization to end the rule of the National Congress Party (NCP) after a spontaneous meeting held at bus stop in central Khartoum this week.



A Grifina activist addressing the public in Khartoum streets (photo from a video posted at Girifina.com)

The three members of Girifina (we have had enough) on Thursday March 4, were arrested by the Sudanese police and security service. Since, they are charged with causing "public noisiness" under Article 77 of the Criminal Act of 1991. They are still in prison and have yet to be released.

A Sudanese rights watchdog, African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), denounced today the detention saying their arrest is in violation with the interim constitution which guarantee "the to freedom of expression, assembly, and association under Article 39".

Sudan will hold its first democratic general election next April to elect Sudanese president, southern Sudan government president, regional governors, members of national parliament, southern Sudan MPs and regional assemblies.

However, the political forces accuse the ruling National Congress Party of controlling the media and using it to advertize the NCP candidates. Also they blame the National Election Commission (NCE) for its lack of independence and conciliatory positions with the government.

On Thursday, the opposition forces gathered outside the NCE premises to protest a circular released recently restricting the organization of public campaigns held by political parties, and civil society organizations.

"The circular restricted any public campaigning, including parties campaigning on their own premises and headquarters. The NEC is purely an administrative body, and these regulations assume power that can only be implemented by the National Assembly;" said the rights group.

The ACJPS also said the crackdown on political parties and activists marks out the limits of freedom tolerated by the NCP government in the current electoral campaign.

Girifna’s activists are regularly arrested by the security service for the distribution of mobilization flyers in the streets. However, the group which is forms in September 2009 is extending now its activities out of the capital to the different Sudanese towns.

Analysts say the security services fear that independent activists can be the nucleus of a large national protest campaign to denounce electoral rigging or any manipulation by the ruling party.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

NBGS vows support to Arman win forthcoming elections

Saturday 6 March 2010

By Ngor Arol Garang

March 5, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Authorities and citizens from Southern State of Northern Bahr el Ghazal have unanimously vowed their support to the SPLM national presidential candidate, Yasir Arman.

Speaking in an electoral campaign rally launching official programs of incumbent Governor Paul Malong Awan Anei in Aweil North County of Gok Machar, in the house of honorable Mel Wal Achien, advisor to the state governor, Angok Bol Maduordit urged all the citizens to give their supports to Yasir Saeed Arman.

"Although the voting day will be confusing as there will be a lot of boxes in the same place for the same voter, please make sure your votes by all means go to Yasir Saeed Arman," Achien said.

"He is the only presidential candidate capable of changing Sudan to a better state. A country that will treat all her people as equal citizens regardless of their origins, gender religions or ethnicity," he further said.

The official equally called on the citizens to vote for Salva Kiir Mayardit who is contesting the seat he occupies as President of Southern Sudan Government and vote to retain incumbent Governor Malong saying both are true leaders and liberators who can deliver to the expectation of the majority.

"I am asking vote for Malong because I work with him but because of developmental projects he had initiated and are at the finishing stages. Some of them have been completed and inaugurated. This is an achievement in two years time," he said. Voting him out now means beginning from scratch as the new administration would give attention to other priorities.

The Governor during launching of his rally on Wednesday described Yasir Arman as hero and fighter who is committed to the vision, mission and objectives of the SPLM.

Arman is a person we should all be proud of. He is one of the key Sudanese who are committed to right of self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan and Abyei and popular consultation for the people of Nuba Mountain and Southern Blue Nile.

"If we elect Comrade Yasir as President of the Sudan, we will be guarantee of the full implementation of the CPA, exercise of the referendum. I call on all of you to vote for Cde Yasir in this April elections," he said.

He said appealed to all citizens vote for SPLM Candidates for National, Regional and State levels. You should all remember that the fate of the CPA and particularly the referendum scheduled for 2011 will be decided by the assemblies. Therefore, we must have sizable majority in the assemblies at all levels of the governments, he said.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

Sudan’s elections board reviewing opposition protest memo

Monday 8 March 2010

March 7, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The National Election Commission (NEC) announced that it has started reviewing a memorandum of protest submitted to it by opposition parties regarding reforming the rules set by the commission on the campaigning.

The parties say that new rules published by the NEC meant that they have to give 72 hours notice for rallies held inside their own party premises — and had to ask police for permission to meet outside.

Furthermore, they accuse the NEC of switching the process of printing voting slips from abroad to presses inside Sudan — a move they would lead to duplicate papers and ballot box stuffing.

“It seems the National Elections Commission is working very closely with the National Congress and is issuing circulars that infringe on the rights of political parties,” said Yasir Arman, presidential candidate for the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM), which joined a troubled coalition government with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) after the 2005 accord.

The NEC Deputy Chairman and spokesperson Abdallah Ahmed Abdallah said Sunday in a press statement that the NEC held its first meeting to review the opposition parties memorandum prior to responding to it.

Abdallah dismissed the deadline set by the opposition parties to respond saying that the NEC is not concerned with the ultimatum saying they will reply as soon as possible.

The NCP criticized the step taken by the Sudanese opposition parties saying they are seeking to find a way out of taking part in the April elections adding that they have no right to question the NEC impartiality.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

Bashir says committed to Islamic state in Sudan

Sunday 7 March 2010

March 6, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir, and leader of National Congress Party (NCP) has reiterated today his commitment to maintain Islamic legislations in the country and rejected calls for a secular state.



Sudanese President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir (AFP)

The incumbent President Al-Bashir who campaigns for his reelection was addressing scholars and leaders of Islamic brotherhoods in Khartoum on Saturday. The issue of Sharia laws is presented as a theme against the SPLM candidate Yasir Arman who calls for its cancellation in order to maintain Sudan’s unity.

Presidential adviser Salah Gosh on Saturday in a speech made in Al Suki, Northern state, attacked opposition parties saying they agreed in Juba to abolish the Islamic laws. He also accused them of using the electoral campaign to advertise for a new secular state.

The NCP runner for Sudan president reaffirmed his commitment to the Islamic laws and the empowerment of the Islamic religion in the countr.; He further scoffed at the proposal of some political parties calling for the establishment of a secular, state and the abolition of the Public Order Act.

Bashir further called on the scholars, preachers and leaders of Sufi brotherhoods to maintaining the Islamic nation and religion by propagating Islam’s principles and precepts among Muslims.

He also commended the efforts of the late President Nimeiri who imposed a harsh and unpopular panel law in September 1983.

"Whatever we disagree with (Nimeiri) him politically, but we stress that he fought against the underworld and bars," Bashir said about the former Sudanese president who applied the Islamic law for the first time since the independence in 1956.

Arman denied recently NCP allegations that he had called to open bars and houses of prostitution he also said that the ruling party is using religion in politics but not really apply it.

"What is happening now is the use of religion in politics, and that has affected Islam," said Arman in a statement posted on his blog.

(ST)

[kitayabi]

as long as the South is not subjected to shariah law I don't see why it would be a concern whether or not the north chooses to maintain shariah law

[kitayabi]

[chiefayic2]

Security Heightened in Upper Nile Ahead of Polls

More than 500 new police officers have been recruited in Upper Nile State in a bid to enhance security in the area ahead of the general elections.

08 March 2010



South Sudanese anti-riot police in their full gear. [©Gurtong]By Daniel Thon Deng

MALAKAL, 08 March 2010 (Gurtong) – The Police Forces’ Commissioner in Upper Nile State Major General Bol John Akot told reporters last week that the new recruits have already been sent to Juba for comprehensive training and would return to Upper Nile upon completion of the training.

“The aim of the police recruitment process was to ensure that we have standard protection of Upper Nile State civilians”, he said.

Major General Akot added that the new police officers will re-enforce the current force, adding that this would ensure peace is maintained in the state prior to and during the polls.

“If we maintain this peaceful scenario in the forthcoming elections, we will be able to safeguard the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) by providing broad protection of civilians in the state. This is so since we all know that our vision and mission is to co-exist and reap the dividends of the CPA”, he added.

He pledged to fulfill his promises of better security and development in the state, and called upon other actors to co-operate with the police in order to achieve this.

“We are going to work closely with the United Nations police and other security organs in the state like prisons and wildlife among others to ensure the maintenance of law and order in this state”, said Major General Akot.

He said the police forces will employ international standards during and after the electioneering period.

(Gurtong)

[chiefayic2]

Originally Posted by kitayabi

as long as the South is not subjected to shariah law I don't see why it would be a concern whether or not the north chooses to maintain shariah law

Yes, South is exempt from Sharia Law [although this can hardly be said about southerners residing in the North] . If you look carefully however, you will notice that the case against Sharia here is coming from northerners.

There are Muslims, Christians, and not so religous northerners who would like to see secularism prevail.

[kitayabi]

Originally Posted by chiefayic2

Yes, South is exempt from Sharia Law [although this can hardly be said about southerners residing in the North] . If you look carefully however, you will notice that the case against Sharia here is coming from northerners.

There are Muslims, Christians, and not so religous northerners who would like to see secularism prevail.

if your referring to yassir arman we disowned him years ago

[chiefayic2]

Interesting! Whatever your wishes are....he is not about to fade away soon as he will always be a major figure in SPLM northern sector for years to come.

FYI, Mr Arman is not the only advocate for secularism in the north.

[kitayabi]

Originally Posted by chiefayic2

Interesting! Whatever your wishes are....he is not about to fade away soon as he will always be a major figure in SPLM northern sector for years to come.

FYI, Mr Arman is not the only advocate for secularism in the north.

my issues with Arman do not end with secularism. The SPLM's political weight lyes with the South with out the South the SPLM will just be a fringe party in Sudan.

[kitayabi]

90% of his marginal support in the North are from Southerner's who will no longer becitizens of Sudan after 2011, in any case what makes you think the NCP will dissapear from the South after 2011?

[chiefayic2]

Sudan’s NCP signs electoral code of conduct

Tuesday 9 March 2010

March 8, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The ruling Sudan National Congress Party (NCP) today signed the Electoral Code of Conduct, a week after fifteen other parties endorsed it in the Southern Sudan capital of Juba.

The African Union (AU) issued a statement today saying that the code “commits the parties and candidates to common principles for free and fair elections, facilitates self-regulation by Sudan’s political parties during the forthcoming elections”.

“The AU believes that this Code can play an important role in promoting democratization in the Sudan and in building confidence between the different political parties”.

Last week Southern Sudanese political parties and Northern parties competing in the South came together to hammer out the agreement in a two-day meeting convened by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) on Sudan.

“The parties undertake to ensure that the forthcoming elections are free, fair and inclusive," the document read. "The democratic political process must be protected from any form of violence or intimidation”.

The NCP was not present at the Juba meeting, but senior AU officials said the party had committed itself to signing the deal later.

“The signing by the NCP of the Code of Conduct provides further momentum for its acceptance by all national Sudanese political parties, and further enhances the chances for a peaceful electoral process in the forthcoming elections. It is expected that more parties will associate themselves with the Code within the coming days.”

Opposition parties have left the door open for boycotting the elections in their upcoming meeting next week accusing the electoral commission and the government of working to curtail campaigning and breaching the election law in favor of the NCP.

Sudan is preparing for April presidential and legislative elections, set up under a 2005 peace accord that also promised the south a referendum in 2011 on whether to split off as an independent country.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

NBGS governor vows to support Bashir in upcoming election

Tuesday 9 March 2010

By Ngor Arol Garang

March 8, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The incumbent governor of the Southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Paul Malong Awan Anei, vowed on Monday, today, his support to incumbent President Omer Al-Bashir for a win in the upcoming elections.

Addressing a huge crowd that turned out to receive President Bashir and his entourage in Aweil town, Governor Malong urged citizens to give their votes to Bashir so he can fully implement the remaining clauses in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

"You cannot remove a captain sailing the ship in the middle of the sea because of differences, no?" the governor said adding wise people always settle their differences when they think they are out of the dangerous area.

However, the local population including intellectuals instantly criticized governor’s remark saying it contradicts his previous statement pledging support to the SPLM national presidential candidate, Yasir Saeed Arman.

"What happened to Mr. Governor that he acted swiftly to vow his support to a presidential candidate from another political party than a candidate from his own party?" asked Honorable Deng Athian.

"I thought he is an SPLM official nominee who should be mobilizing support to a candidate from his party as he previously told the gathering at launching rally of his electoral campaign," said Garang Aguer Kuol, an intellectual from the area who attended the reception rally of President Bashir.

Addressing the crowd, President Bashir said he recognized the suffering of Mading Aweil and that he will put more efforts into raising the standard of living by building roads, more educational facilities, opening more health units and staffing them with good medical practitioners from Khartoum under the central government’s budget.

He also pledged an university to the population, agricultural machinery to support growth of an Aweil rice scheme as well as funds for construction of power supply and electrification of Aweil town and county headquarters.

Bashir further reiterated his position to recognize the referendum result if it comes out in favor of secession. "I will be the first to recognize and join brothers in the south in celebrating the referendum result because it is the people’s choice. I promise you that nobody in my government will dictate your choice if the referendum result comes out in favor of secession," he said. Bashir said, however, that unity would bring more economic growth than secession.

(ST)

[chiefayic2]

Originally Posted by kitayabi

my issues with Arman do not end with secularism.

And I suppose he cares about all those grudges you hold against him, oh please.

The SPLM's political weight lyes with the South with out the South the SPLM will just be a fringe party in Sudan

Fringe party or not......all that will count is whether they are keeping the flame of liberation alive. "It is not how you start but how you finish that matters", they say. SPLM's humble beginnings compare to its current position is a testimony to that.