Jonglei urged to maintain peace during elections process

By Philip Thon Aleu

January 2, 2010 (BOR) – Contenders for various seats in South Sudan and state assemblies have called for calm during nominations of candidates ahead of this year elections. In many cases, new political rivals are emerging within the SPLM for parliamentary seats at states and Juba levels.

For incumbent members of parliament facing competition within their communities, April elections kick-off with New Year and there is no time for celebrations. For a case study, Sudan Tribune talks to interested applicants for parliamentary seats.

Alier Ayom Aluong (SPLM), from Bor north constituency, has applied for the seat of South Sudan Assembly. Michael Makuei Lueth – South Sudan minister of legal affairs and constitutional development is currently holding this seat. Minister Makuei is also interested in post. But being both SPLM members – and wishing to use SPLM ticket in this election.

The duo has to win community support. Series of meetings have being going on in Makuach Payam – where the two hail, but with little success to convince one in preference of another.

Alier Ayom told the Sudan Tribune on Friday that “people should remain calm” during the domination period and beyond. He says his contending because the public support him. Before the SPLM ‘Electorate College’ decides, a contender or two must win local communities’ support. But Minister Makuei Lueth is not ruled out by a committee dealing with elections cases including theirs.

However, Alier says he cannot discuss any more.

“This is a public opinion [to up take the seat]….and we need not to discuss this issue,” he responded when asked whether he has ignored the on-going meeting meant to end the row over who should contest. He added that the SPLM electorate college will decide their fate.

Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has formed what it calls ‘Electorate College’ composed of 25 members at States level. The group is charged to release application forms to interested party’s candidates and collecting them back.

For the post of Sudan federal parliament, state Governor, South Sudan and state assemblies’ forms are available here. Other forms including party list and women representation form are also at state levels. The body deals with creating awareness for elections and ensures that “power is given back to the people;” said Norah Zangabeyo head SPLM Electorate College. She says the College will observe maximum code of conduct while nominating applicants for various posts.

“There is no joke. The power is given back to the people,” she says.

But there has being complaints that the party’s Electorate College may favor current post holders, something Norah dismissed like other contenders.

“There SPLM has being with the people for so long. I think the SPLM [Electorate College] will do the right thing [since] the opinion of the public has being expressed,” Alier Ayom said when asked to comment on the electorate college roles.

Effort made to reach Minister Makuei Lueth to hear part of story for the seat he holds has being futile by press time.

In another case in the same constituency at State level, Chol Gai Arou has applied to challenge Maker Chol Adol.

If that is the case in many constituencies in south Sudan, then the ‘power is given back’ will be realized after SPLM Electorate College decides who should use its tickets in elections.

Norah calls for peaceful nominations of leaders by communities in Jonglei saying “Jonglei is where our late leader John Garang comes from and still paying the price for peace. The world, Sudan and South Sudan in particular are watching you. Please, show good example in this election like you did in war [of liberation].”

Promising transparency, Norah says all applicants will be known when the deadline extended to January 5, 2010 expires. She says marks will be allocated according to answers provided in the application forms without taking side.

(ST)