Conducive environment vital for credible elections: VP Igga
June 14, 2022 (JUBA)- South Sudan’s Vice President and the Chairperson for Economic Cluster, James Wani Igga has described the need to provide security to people and create a conducive environment as prerequisites for holding free, fair and credible elections in the East African country.
He made the remarks during the swearing-in event of the newly appointed Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area, Stefano Wieu.
Also, sworn in were the deputy governors of Upper Nile and Jonglei states
Igga, also the deputy chairperson of the ruling party (SPLM) tasked the new officials to ensure the party aligned with its values, missions as well as visions.
“As you return to your places, please go, and steer the SPLM towards the direction that upholds our values, mission, and vision statements. You need to unite and reconcile the people. Work together with them to ensure there is harmony so that they live together, even when there are issues, people should learn how to coexist peacefully. And when they live peacefully, that is peace and when there is peace, elections can be held. So go work with the people to create an environment conducive for elections,” he said.
Igga urged the officials to focus on empowerment to lead people, emphasizing the need for financial resources to boost the delivery of services.
“Security is very important [and] once you have done that, you will fill the stomachs of the people because they do not want to stay in a place where there is no water, education, and roads,” he stressed.
For his part, the Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area reaffirmed his commitment to the justice, equality and prosperity principles.
“Our sole objective will be to ensure that we provide services to our people. Make our people happy, ensure that they realize our principles of equality, justice, and prosperity,” said Wieu.
He urged his colleagues to stick to the values and vision of the ruling party.
“Today, we have taken oath affirming our commitment to the mission, values, and the integrity of the party. Our late founding father, John Garang said there is no meaning of revolution unless it makes our people happy,” he stressed.
The SPLM deputy secretary for political affairs, Santino Malek Ani said the new officials were advised to unite people and prepare them for elections.
“They have advised them to unite the people of their respective areas and work for the election. They have to mobilize the people; they have to work to recruit and they have to maintain and implement the peace agreement in letter and spirit,” he noted.
President Salva Kiir recently appointed John Akech Deng and Ayong Awer as the deputy governors of South Sudan’s Jonglei and Upper Nile states respectively.
(ST)