Road to April: Election rivals hold town-hall meeting in Bor
By Philip Thon Aleu
February 24, 2010 (BOR) – Representatives of South Sudan political parties hold a town hall meeting on Wednesday where rival candidates exchange questions following manifestos representation.
The UNMIS Civil Affairs-UNDP assisted political parties conference in order to enhance peaceful political dialogue among various forces contesting in April elections. This year’s polls are the first in 24 years in Sudan and essentially seen as major test to SPLM’s overarching calls for democracy in the country.
Candidates contesting for parliamentary seats from all political parties and independents attended the meeting, the second following February 10 inter-party roundtable where threats to elections were jotted and code of conduct during campaigns and elections were unanimously adopted.
The southern Sudan ruling party, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), emphasized the need for sustenance of peace and stability as delayed campaigns commence. On the other hand, other southern Sudan political parties and National Congress Party (NCP) expressed concerns over intimidation of opponents.
United Democratic Front (UDF) cites harassment of it candidates in Pibor, an indication that the road to April may not be smooth. Sudan Tribune cannot independently verify the said blockage of UDF rally in Gumuruk, Pibor County in Jonglei.
Speaking on behave of the UNMIS, Malick Ceesay outlined areas of partnership between the State government and UN bodies such as international community support for stabilization of Jonglei, continue promotion of dialogue, coexistence and atmosphere of tolerance.
UNMIS trained 500 police officers to provide security during elections in Jonglei, Malick disclosed in his representation.
During the one-day workshop in Freedom Hotel, Bor, Duop Lam, Ayod and Maker Lual Kuol, Bor Counties Commissioners, who are close aides to SPLM’s State top candidate and the Caretaker Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk, promised free and fair electoral process. The two leaders described April polls as “historically significant” given 2011 referendum on self determination in the south. They also said election must be “without fraud and intimidation.”
Over 150 people attended the town hall meeting where questions, apparently reversed to voters, were fired by political opponent against each other. A question on whether defeated candidates or parties in April polls will accept the result and congratulate victors remains a mage test to be proved.
Though electoral campaign officially began on February 13, a first political rally is yet to be held in Bor town, the capital of Jonglei State.
Posters of SPLM national candidate Yasir Arman, South Sudan president SPLM contender Salva Kiir Mayardit and SPLM flag bearer in Jonglei for governorship Kuol Manyang Juuk are the only signs of election season here.
(ST)