SPLM in W. Equatoria unveils its provincial candidates for the 2010

By Richard Ruati

January 12, 2009 (YAMBIO) – The SPLM in Western Equatoria State has unveiled its provincial candidates to contest in the 2010 historical elections – with three persons seeking nomination for the gubernatorial context on SPLM ticket.

Speaking to local journalists after the long awaited announcement, the Electoral Chairperson Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia pointed out that, “The Electoral College 25 members’ body has tirelessly worked scrutinize the aspiring SPLM members, hence using the criteria dictated by the SPLM Political Bureau in Juba.”

WES’s Electoral College Chairperson told journalists at SPLM State Secretariat, where the party is holding its candidates selections meeting, that the names are:

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY – Geographical (Khartoum)

Murad Meseha Duruma (Greater Mundri), Justin Joseph Marona (Maridi), Samson Ezekiel Ndukpo and Salleh Saidy Uku (Tambura). Two members remain as reserves.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PARTY LIST

Pascal Makonyongi Clement Batal (For Western Equatoria State)

STATE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Alfred Absai Lunjini (Lanyi),Silvesto Browb Mbiri (Kediba), John Obite Madali (Mundri town), Wesley Welebe Samson Warawa (Kotobi), Clement Ngongi (Mvolo Town), James Abdullah Arona (Yeri), Benethy Bida Ndelo (Kozi), Latigo John Andre (Maridi East), Bukulu Edward Mandeson (Maridi West), Voilet Sadia Bullen (Ngamunde), Rugapai Alfred Parakiti (Ibba Town), Akpi Justin Kperese (Nabanga) Isaac Juma Martin (Yambio Town), Michael Sikpakpa (Bazungua), Peter Angelo Kpakana (Saura), Victor James Ndukpo (Yabongo), Bage James Elisa (Nagbimo), James Elisama Nganguayo (Bangasu), Tartizio Wandu Bimo (Ri-Rangu) Singira Robert Daniel (Nadiangere), Joseph Daudau Ukuo (Nzara Town), Benty Tartizio Kpiosa (Sakure), Joseph Alfred Tindiri (Naandi), Leone Modesto Kpatit (Yangiri), Moudie Albert Paul (Ezo Town), Minaida Peter Jamus (Andari), Ukele Eddy Gumasi (Tambura Town), Veronica Lino Girikpio wandu (Source Yubu) and James Adu Votoki Yaka (Nagero). With 28 reserves
State Legislative Assembly – Party List

David Paulino Simbi (Nagero), Steven Sebit (Mundri West), Lexson Rajab Dobili (Mvolo), Elias Kubayo William (Nzara), Modir Martin (Maridi), Margret Fozia and Emmanuel (Mundri West) and Elinama Daniel Joseph (Maridi). With seven reserves.

SSLA GEOGRAPHICAL

Anthony Lino Makana ( unopposed – Yambio), Adel Elias Okumandu (Maridi), Bernardo Kpasira (Nzara), John Henry Ngalum (Mundri), Guma Amiro Dobo (Mvolo), Festo Kumbaniduwai (Ezo), Mary Nawai (Ibba) and Pascal Bandindi Uru (Tambura), with six reserves.

SSLA PARTY LIST –

Col Joseph Ngere Paciko (Mundri), George Costa (Yambio) and Lino Utu Takuari (Nagero) as a reserve.

SSLA WOMEN LIST

Jasmine Samuel Adakai (Mundri West), Vosca Martin Enoka (Yambio) and Rejoice Bauda Simon (Mvolo), with three reserves.

WOMEN LIST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Ketura Yona Ngbara (Maridi) and Veronica Luis Renzi (Tambura)

STATE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY – WOMEN LIST

Grace Ime Jeremiah Datiro (Yambio), Grace Appollo (Yambio), Sidonia Ngbiidigi Arkangelo (Ezo), Lona Hannah Bona (Mundri West), Livia Costantino Baribu (Nzara), Kezia dawa Isaac (Mvolo), Magdelina Anite (Tambura), Esterina aziti (Maridi), Jasline Pita Benson (Mundri East), Mary Sungu Yoere Rukusa (Ibba), with seven reserves.

PROVISIONAL CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNORSHIP

State: Western Equatoria State.
Jemma Nunu Kumba (94% score – Tambura), Col Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro (93% scores – Tambura) and Lawrence Korbandy Koids (59% scores – Mundri East).

EUPHORIA AND EXCITEMENT

With the above announcement from a body which is said to be independent in its decision, there are new comers in the SPLM political cadres who are to give different shape to various legislative assemblies – however there is euphoria from the new guys, as others have been quoted as saying “once I win, I will send my kids to Uganda for better education immediately.” This is utterance raises the question of are the old and new members in politics for their families or for the entire population they serve.

The aspiring candidates, are expected to be elected by the respective supporters from 322, 801 (92%) registered voters of WES.

FRAUDULENT PROCESS AND DOUBTS

The neck to neck competition for governorship within SPLM new members and the party’s veterans is not a surprise. There are already complains at stake, with observes the process of nominating the candidature for WES has been marred with fraud, misrepresentation of facts and corruption.

From the results, it shows there is stiff competition, with the incumbent scoring only by one point, which analysts say this is an embarrassment for a sitting governor who could have shown her popularity with more points, this poor result is already raising concern among the party heavyweights.

He said since last December when he got a copy of the SPLM candidate selection guideline she realized knew there was going to be a problem with the system which SPLM created.

“I am told that other states had problems forming the Electoral College and had to call for the party SG Mr. Pagan Amum to assist. In WES, there are already doubts that the result of the state Electoral College may not be free and fair due to the huge number of state executive members (appointed ministers) in the Electoral College who actually not supposed to be on the board,” said Mr. Justin Wannis one of the independent Observers in the Region.

He added in this last week publication that, “previously some of the same state executive members declared their endorsement of the seating governor at a meeting and were defeated. As the SPLM party requests five names of candidates from each state to be submitted to the political bureau for governorship, in WES there are only three names; Hon. Lawrence Kurbandi, Col. Joseph Bakosoro and the seating governor. Even though the result is not officially out yet, there is high possibility and expectation that Jemma may make it to the top list while the other two shall have to follow.”

He argues that, “the possibility of the other two going through the screening of political bureau is very remote because the bureau shall not look at the interest of the people other than the party interest as it was previously done. Even though this is just [my] own analysis, let us hope that there shall be a free and fair result in WES.”

(ST)