SPLM candidates’ nomination contested
By Philip Thon Aleu
January 23, 2010 (BOR) – Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) mode of selecting flag bearers for the forthcoming elections has ignited many questions but going unanswered according to letters of complaints seen by the Sudan Tribune.
The SPLM Political bureau, the top most South Sudan ruling party body, replaced nine provisional parliamentary aspirants selected by the State Electoral College two weeks ago. The changes favor experienced but rejected veterans SPLM comrades as youths and new recruits to the party were dismissed.
The decision has being described as “unacceptable and leaves a lot to be desired” in letters addressed to the SPLM Political Bureau. Some unanswered questions are how those chosen by political bureau made it to Juba when state Electoral College in Bor never endorsed them? Will the SPLM flag bearers campaign in constituencies where they were rejected?
Of the changes in question, one is interesting in that the new aspirant comes from a different constituency. And that is the Athooc North (Jalle) constituency given to Athooc South (Baidit) both from Bor County. Kuol Bol Ayom (Athooc North) was replaced with Daniel Deng Kut (Athooc South) something Jalle describes as undemocratic representation.
“We expect the [SPLM] political bureau to respect and honor a decision made by voters in democratic process,” the letter, addressed to SPLM Secretary General with subject bolded as ‘Legitimate Complaint against SPLM Decision to replace the nominee of the people’, reads in part. The letter added that Kuol Bol “was unanimously elected by Jalle community to contest for constituency No. 27 (Athooc North)….and the replacement is unacceptable and leaves a lot to be desired.”
The letter, signed by 10 voters including the community leader Nikodemo Arou Man, concludes that “Jalle reject SPLM Political Bureau decision of replacing rightful candidate” adding that the political bureau should reverse it choice and simply “uphold dearly the democratic ideals.” “The people of Jalle want Kuol Bol and would support him if he decides to contest as an independent candidate.”
Jalle community letter quoted, however, that the SPLM political bureau nominated Ajak de Mach as Athooc North party candidate but Jonglei Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk, a member of Political bureau and the party’s state chairman, preferred Daniel Deng Kut in name of power sharing. Ajak also comes from Baidit like Deng Kut.
Bor County has five state parliamentary seats which the community decided to share among the five Payams. This means that Jalle may not be represented in Jonglei state Legislative Assembly if the current is not annulled.
Jalle letter is one among many complaints. The other letter of rejection to SPLM Political Bureau’s choice of candidates comes from Gumuruk—Lokwangele Constituency, Pibor County to Juba assembly. In this constituency, William Borien Gola who was provisional candidate according to State Electoral College but was replaced with Francis Lokurunga by political bureau. Mr. Lokurunga is the incumbent MP of Gumuruk whose leadership has being described as ineffective and less productive when County Development Funds never reached local people.
In Duk County, Mochnom Wuor, a youthful SPLM legislator, was dismissed by SPLM Political Bureau in favor of Abiel Chan who holds the current seat. In Twic East, South Constituency, Dhieu Ngong Gak was replaced with John Amuor Kuol by the SPLM political organ.
The changes leave voters in conflict of choice; between the loyalty to the party and popularity of and confidence in representatives, analysts say.
SPLM aspirants selected against by the political bureau have declared running as independent candidates including the post of Jonglei Governor. The State National Election Commission is yet to make the applicants names public.
(ST)