SPLM’s experience is promoted after heavy ANC turnout at Rumbek rally
By Manyang Mayom
February 14, 2010 (RUMBEK) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Lakes state, entering the campaign phase against newly emergent political rivals, is emphasizing its indispensable role in the continuing struggle for self-determination. “You can not join untrained soldiers to take part in an operation of live bullets,” a senior party leader in the state said of SPLM’s political challengers.
SPLM faces apparently rising support for the African National Congress – Sudan (ANC-Sudan). This was evident on Saturday during a rally in Rumbek’s town square marking the launching of the campaign phase of the elections. ANC had a heavy turnout at that rally.
The ruling state party went through periods of intense internal divisiveness in recent years and has chosen not to nominate its incumbent governor for election. ANC-Sudan’s Gabriel Kuc Abyei is contesting for the governorship against Joseph Malual Dong Riak from United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF), Isaac Awan Maper from National Congress Party (NCP), and Engineer Chol Tong Mayay from SPLM.
“War is not over – SPLM is still sticking toward it long vision of New Sudan. It is NCP and SPLM who fought for 22 year and brought to you this peace – referendum is ahead of us and if you throw away SPLM party in this coming election, then it will be your own fate that you have lost simply,” said Samuel Mathiang Keer the SPLM Lakes state secretary during a live radio broadcast at evening over state government-owned Radio-98.
“If there is any thanks to be given, then I believe that SPLM should gain that thanks from each and every one of you who witnessed this long-running struggle searching for New Sudan,” said Keer.
The SPLM official affirmed that “If you vote for second-class position because you are supporting your uncle then you have chosen wrong path – SPLM is the elder of South Sudan. It is SPLM which will bring to you everything that you want in South Sudan”.
“SPLM has reborn everybody in Sudan, it has brought up everyone and actually educated everyone – SPLM has it wealth. If you could vote for SPLM is not the waste in this coming election,” he said
Samuel Keer called upon all citizen of Lakes state to respect all contenders who are assigned by their respective parties to contest in the coming April election, treating them fairly without harassment from citizens.
Radio Rumbek’s director announced to the public that all political parties are granted 15 minutes to preach their political agenda beginning from 9 p.m. onward until midnight.
In another development, South Sudan military intelligence has been reported to have arrested SPLA officer Kachuol Maker Marier, who was alleged to have offered his own soldiers as bodyguards to the UDSF leader Joseph Malual Dong Riak. That would have been illegal without permission from his SPLA bosses. The source reported that Kachol has been transferred to Mapel military barrack to face investigation. SPLA military intelligence were not reached for comment on this report.
(ST)