Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
By James Gatdet Dak
February 10, 2010 (JUBA) – The second powerful man in the Southern Sudan’s ruling political party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), described democracy as the best system of governance that listens to the voices of the people governed in democratic nations.
Speaking to a gathering of thousands of citizens in Bentiu, Dr. Machar advised the aspiring leaders and the voting citizens alike to refrain from resorting to use of violence as the country enters into critical phase in democratic transformation process during the next two months of election campaigns.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has set 13th February as the date on which to kick off election campaigns throughout the country.
“Within days from now every contestant will be moving in the town and in other places with his or her microphone telling citizens what he or she can do for the people if voted into office. This can also be done as a party versus other party. When such campaigns occur don’t think it means disintegration of people or communities; it is about availing to you a variety of choices so that you choose the person whose views and programs appeal to you most,” he said.
Dr. Machar likened the elections campaigners to a group of dancers and singers who display to the people how best one could dance or sing and the viewers pick the best dancer or singer.
“Rival contestants may also point out each others’ mistakes in the process but don’t get angry if such a situation happens. Because if you get angry, people may think that you don’t understand the democratic process,” he added.
He pointed out that one of the objectives his ruling party, the SPLM, fought for was to install a democratic system in the Sudan, advising that people should not abandon democracy at this point in time.
He explained that if former Khartoum regimes had accepted a true democratic transformation process in order to resolve the challenges that faced the country, the SPLM/A would not have opted to take up arms against such regimes in 1983.
Sudan will hold general elections in April this year in accordance with the 2005’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between North and South.
The peace deal also calls for general elections during the mid-interim period before the people of Southern Sudan exercise the right to self-determination on independence in a referendum to be conducted in January 2011.
(ST)
Pandit
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
Great remark Machar keep that spirit. We southerners always doubt of your Lunatic activities.
Michael Madit Magot
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
Thanks Dr machar ,
That is a wise and responsible move to inform our people about the important of peace.
God be with you till we achieve our independent.
Controller
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
It was very great speech. God Bless Dr. Riek Machar.
The democratic nation is alway better than communism nation.
The people of Southern Sudan can not afford the communist nation that still existing in Pagan Amum his mind and his uncle Salva Kiir.
In this coming election, voters will vote for candidate who has best plan for the country.
I am sure the indepedent cadidates will win this election, because their vision is all about democratic nation than (SPLM) candidates whom their vision is all about communism nation.
Thanks
paul baak anyaar
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
Yes, that is what is expected of a leader, Dr. Riek. It helps when an influential figure like this points out the dangers of unbecoming behaviours. I am not pessimistic but vices such as hooliganism, rampages, riots, and heckling are inevitable most of the time. These violent acts are perpetrated by groups, thus becoming hectic to contain the situation when they occur. However, giving warnings as early as this time, will certainly contribute in the diminution of violence. I think Dr. Machar is doing his part in the reduction of violence. It is something we should all emulate, ladies and gentlemen. Preach and practise peace in the Sudan.
M.Cool.J
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
Thanks a lot Dr Machar you are blessed,but one thing is bad of you;you delay to put things/tactic/ideas/opinions in place.
Our people need to be taught democracy and this is not the right time because we have remained with only some days to elections,but we can’t give up preaching it because elections are near.
sunday mabor
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
Thanks to Dr. Machar for declaring the so called democratic transpancy in the southern sudan but only that machar has one time batried his country for the seek of what he was knowing with his fellow jalabas; but nevertheless, machar is now washing the tears out of the eyes of the junubin for their tears created by his 1991 factions.
Therefore, regarding the voice that Dr.Machar is talking today will benefit the southerners though the previous time of 1991 was so painful on/in southern parts; let,s forgive Dr. Machar since he is going to reward our sorrows of his faction.
Macar has fought to let many laws/bills be signed with Khartuom government regarding the upcoming elections of April 2010.
by Sunday Mabor Akorom
R. TOOL
Machar preaches for democratic and non-violent election campaigns
Dear Mr. Dak,
Thank you for this article, you need to write positive articles on other candidates this way people will know what each candidate stand for.
To Dr. Machar,
This is a good start, you and others need to do more for your people in the south to calm the situation of misstrust. The Arabs are going to give up that easly. Thank you and keep up the good work.
The world is watching the development in Sudan. I would like to remind you southerns, don’t get complacence at this criticle times. … No turning back!.