Jonglei caretaker Governor lauds peaceful campaigns
By Philip Thon Aleu
April 9, 2010 (BOR) – The caretaker Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk of Jonglei state commends the level of democracy shown by citizens and political parties during the electoral campaigns that ends peacefully on Friday April 9.
Speaking at an SPLM rally in Bor town, the state capital, Mr. Manyang urged the citizens to maintain the same spirit of peace during the polls due on Sunday and after the announcement elections results.
Jonglei State is seen a potential threat to election success given 2009 surging of conflicts over cattle and child abduction.
Kuol Manyang, who is the incumbent State governor and SPLM flag bearer for Jonglei Governor, is vying with two other opponents; the National Congress Party (NCP) nominee Joseph Duer and an independent candidate George Athor Deng.
All elections campaigns officially ended today. Both executive and legislative candidates from NCP, UDF, SANU and independent are putting period to their campaigns where the expiration of electoral meetings gets them today.
FREEDOM THROUGH VOTES
The South Sudan ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), claims to lead in April 11—13 polling by a victory at 80%; down by 20% from 100% prediction during the launching of campaigns in February. The favorite candidates in Jonglei State – for some parliament seats, are either SPLM or independent.
In the SPLM rally here today, speakers – facing fierce challenge from independent candidate, endeavor to affiliate them with National Congress Party. The Sudan dominant party NCP is locally understood as stumbling-block to southerners’ yearn for independence; thus the main enemy to southerners and a factor to win back votes.
April elections are part of the implementation of peace accord signed in 2005 between former southern rebel; the SPLM and Khartoum government represented by the NCP. A referendum is due in January 2011 in the south for self-determination. The SPLM campaign tune indicates that the party has relinquished Sudan unity.
“We are going to claim our freedom by votes,” said Antipas Nyok de Kucha, the SPLM Southern Sector Political mobilizer adding “this is the meaning of these elections; to prepare you for referendum.”
Forecasting on his election rivals, SPLM flag bearer for governorship Kuol summarizes that “the people know the trust between SPLM and NCP. Independent candidates are good brothers and sisters but don’t vote for them. We need to work as SPLM till 2011.” He was referring to NCP’s Joseph Duer and Independent candidate George Athor for Jonglei Governorship.
Speaking as a caretaker governor of Jonglei State, Kuol urged the citizens to vote peacefully. He lauded the media for reporting “the real situation on ground” and being objectives throughout the election campaigns. Mr. Manyang further commended the role played by organized forces by providing safety to politicians and supporters of all candidates during the campaigns season.
(ST)
Trueman
Jonglei caretaker Governor lauds peaceful campaigns
It is sad that we can not get another leader like Kuol manyang among Nuer.
Dinka Boy
Jonglei caretaker Governor lauds peaceful campaigns
Trueman,
Haaaaaaa, it will take zillion years for Nuer to give birth to aleader like Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk. I like Kuol because is aleader and at the same take he can solve aggression if someone want it.
This is akind of leader that i really want in the South. Gorge Athor too ia another leader that i like but he has second change after govern Kuol for coming years.
Time1
Jonglei caretaker Governor lauds peaceful campaigns
This is indeed a success for Jonglie state as a w hole, the campaign has been very peaceful and all parties have respected eacother and have shown a good example, Jonglie people should hold to this spirit of working together for the itnerests of their states it doe snot matter which party thet belong to but they all have to put south sudan and their state above individual interests. good step forward for Jonglie and good luck with the elections, Manyang should continue to work hard on all fronts, no sleeping in 2010.
mayombo
Jonglei caretaker Governor lauds peaceful campaigns
Kuol Manyang no duobt you are a man of peace and heat failure your effort througtout the struggle util now is still needed by people of Jongley and southern sudan as a whole, success is yours. we are behind you.