South Sudan urged to promote relations with media

By John Agou Wuoi

February 11, 2009 (JUBA) — The Under Secretary at the GOSS Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has called on the Government of Southern Sudan to enhance good relationship between the media and the government to ensure free and fair general elections scheduled to take place this year all over Sudan.

Speaking at a 5-day voter education training workshop in Juba on Wednesday, Dr. Julia Duany said the media still faces many restrictions and censorship especially in northern Sudan that may prevent the media from properly monitoring elections in Sudan.

Dr. Duany also cited incidences where the Government of Southern Sudan has arrested journalists but was quick to add the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on a media bill that will guarantee the freedom of the media in Southern Sudan.

She added the GOSS Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed Election Monitoring Task Force that is charged with providing what she called “accurate and credible” information to the public about the upcoming elections.

Dr. Duany said GOSS is “considering funding other political parties in Southern Sudan”, but said that it is not clear how and when such funding will be done. She also urged Sudanese to vote for political leaders and parties that will properly manage resources for development in Sudan.

“Do not allow yourself to be influenced. The politicians will promise you heavy on earth but most of them will not deliver. Remember that your vote is your future, it is your money, so vote wisely”, she said.

Dr. Duany called on the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to start training local election monitors and observers who she said understand local languages and cultures other depending on foreign monitors and observers from other countries.

She stressed that elections monitoring and observance is an important aspect of a free and fair elections because provide confidence and assurance that the elections are free and fair as well as revealing shortcomings in an electoral process.

The 5-day voter education training workshop organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and attended by senior officials from the ministry and representatives from the civil society and the media, ends on Friday.

According to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, general elections are expected to take place all over Sudan this year but analysts argue that it is unlikely since other important electoral steps such as voter registration and education have not yet started. The National Electoral Elections is yet to come with timetable on the conduct of the general elections.

(ST)