SPLM’s Amum arrives in Rumbek to encourage participation in referendum

By Manyang Mayom

January 2, 2011 (RUMBEK) – The secretary general of south Sudan’s ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Pagan Amum has arrived in Lakes state to urge all 300,444 registered voters to turn out to vote in polling day of January 9 in the region’s self determination referendum.

South Sudan’s independence vote was agreed as part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 between the SPLM and the Khartoum-based National Congress Party (NCP).

Speaking in a rally at Rumbek’s Freedom Square, Amum, who is also minister for peace and implementation of the CPA in the government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), called upon all registered voters to turnout in big numbers and cast their vote correctly. Amum declared that the SPLM had decided to campaign for the separation because unity has been made unattractive by the Khartoum government.

Thousands of Lakes state residence welcomed cde Amum to Rumbek, the state capital. People lined the streets and traditional dances were performed in Rumbek’s Freedom Square.

The Lakes state cabinet headed by state Governor Chol Tong Mayay gave Amum a security briefing, where he was told that security situation had been brought under control. Cattle raiding related violence between citizens of Lakes state and neighboring Jonglei and Warrap states led to a peace conference to be held in December.

Amum said that, should the south secede, the SPLM in north Sudan would continue the mission of SPLM until Khartoum government in the northern National Congress Party implements a democratic system.

The SPLM Secretary General said: “What will happen to SPLM in the North if South vote for separation? SPLM will continue in south as party and SPLM in north will continue to preach freedom until northern Sudan could become democratic country – SPLM in the north will continue to confirm preach about freedom, peace so that no discrimination in the North as well marginalization”.

He added that, despite the five years the SPLM as coalition partners with the NCP in a Government of National Unity formed as part of the 2005 peace deal, unity had not been made attractive to the public of South Sudan. He urged all voters to vote for separation.

Amum said, “it’s important for everyone who register to vote, after you vote, please raise up your head and walk proud because you have determine your choice – laud that day because you voted for freedom and immediately wash your clothes to avoid the dirt of Old Sudan – it is chance to love your neighbor, sisters and brother”.

He told the crowd that voting process will run from January 9 until January 15.

Governor of Lakes State Chol Tong Mayay, in his welcoming remarks, expressed his appreciation for the arrival of Amum to enlighten they people on the referendum. Tong also urged people to cast their vote correctly.

A turn out of over 60% of registered voters is needed for the vote to be valid under the referendum law passed by Sudan’s National Assembly. A vote of 50% plus one is needed for the south to secede. Separation is the likely outcome according to most observers.

(ST)