Independent candidates appeal intervention from international community

By Ngor Arol Garang

February 12, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Independent candidates from southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal have put out a strong statement condemning behaviors of some members of the SPLM and called for international community intervention with urgency.

They also called on SPLM secretary General Pagan Amum to refrain from using “abusive language and threats” which they said do not encourage constructive dialogues as best option to settle any disputes.

“We are law abiding members of our known peaceful community. Aweil is peaceful state and this is why it is spared from rampant tribal clashes across South Sudan,” said Thomas Mou Kuan Adim.

He continued to add that because of being peaceful state in reference to Aweil has generated ill feelings from members of the other communities by making sure nominations of the candidates are rigged so we resort to their style including fights as this is what is happening in their places.

They also need to constantly portray us as community with no literates and competent intellectuals to represent us in the national institutions by encouraging selection of illiterate groups, he adds.

“Imposing candidates of no choice and requirements, because they will fear interfering with interests of those who rigged their selection is not acceptable. Those in the leadership have got it wrong and must respect voices of the majority, he said.

Mou stands as independent candidate against Luka Agiu Agiu being official nominee.
But many people in the constituency say chances of him (Luka Agiu) winning upcoming elections in presence of Mou are slim.

He is believed to have no credentials including traditional leadership let alone education having not undergone both informal and formal educational system making him illiterate.

Indeed majority wonder how he made it to the list in the first place. The Sudan’s election act 2008 maximum requirement is Sudan school certificate or its equivalent from recognized higher learning institutions for all candidates contesting parliamentary seats and other disciplines; said Garang Thiep who said would cast his ballot to candidate of his choice during voting day.

Asked whether he would vote for Mou or Luka Agiu, he said it is too early to disclose the candidate of his choice now, but was quick to say Thomas Mou would make best candidate. He called on SPLM to resolve differences that have emerged between official and independent candidates.

In the official release obtained by Sudan Tribune, the officials said they do not recognize SPLM political bureau decision nominating incumbent governor Malong Awan and his group as official candidates contest all geographical constituencies, party and women list.

But have requested SPLM leadership to open up possible grounds for all candidates in the upcoming elections without social and sectional segregation.

“We are not requesting individuals but the entire leadership to honestly look into issues of our concerns before going for electoral campaigns,” said Honorable Deng Thiep Akok.

The release also denied having links with other political parties in or outside the country. “We are independent group within our party in reference to the SPLM,” said Dr. Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol.

Dhieu further stated that their supporters will mobilize supports and vote for national presidential candidate, Yasir Saeed Arman and Salva Kiir Mayardit for South Sudan Presidency and not governor Malong Awan whom they accused to have worked against their selection.

He also said their group stands better chance of beating incumbent governor by all means. We have strong and composite supports from all groups of walks.

We draw our support from political bureau, women groups, intellectuals, youth, traditional leaders, churches and even spiritual leaders, he said. Everybody is standing with us including wives and family members of those whose names have been rigged against our merit, he adds.

(ST)