Jonglei’s elected governor calls on political rivals to join hands
April 27, 2010 (BOR) – Jonglei caretaker governor Kuol Manyang Juuk,
Winner of April 11—15 polls, calls on election opponents to accept
defeat and come together for the interest of the state.
“Democracy is not for one person,” said Kuol Manyang, who contested
the election on SPLM ticket against Joseph Duer (NCP) and George Athor
Deng (Independent). “We are citizens of this State and I thinks my
colleagues; Joseph Duer and Gen. George Athor, has to join hands and
we work together,” he added.
He further commended the electorates for entrusting him with their
votes and pledged to live to promises made during campaign that
encompasses road construction, disarmament of civilians to halt
insecurity in the State as well as elevation for health and education
sectors in the villages.
The peaceful campaigns, elections and respond to election results are appreciable, Kuol added.
Both Joseph Duer and Gen. George Athor Deng are yet to react to election announcement. The two politicians are outside the State capital Bor and could not be reached given scare communication network in Jonglei terrains that also lack roads.
CPA SUCCESS
Meanwhile, the announcements for reelection of Omer Hassan Al-Bahsir as the head of the Republic and Salva Kiir Mayardit for the position of the president of the government of Southern Sudan as well as Kuol Manyang Juuk, the State gubernatorial winner, on Monday were received in Bor, the capital of Jonglei, with calm and business continues as usual.
No massive celebrations were seen on Bor streets following the official announcement of the expected results by the national electoral board.
The NEC announcement that Omer Hassan Al-Bashir won reelection is seen
here the best after SPLM withdrew Yasir Arman from the presidential
race in the interest of implementing the CPA (Comprehensive Peace
Agreement). To local people, Al-Bashir success is the triumph of
timely conduct of the referendum in the South for self determination
where focus is now swiftly shifting. Like Al-Bashir’s reelection, the
announcement that Salva Kiir Mayardit won to head the south is
welcomed for the CPA realization rather than fulfillment of election
developmental pledges.
“I congratulate Salva Kiir Mayardit for the confidence bestowed upon
him by the people of this County in particular and the people of
Southern Sudan in general in electing him as the first democratic
President after the signature of the CPA,” said Maker Lual Kuol the
commissioner of Bor County.
The NEC confirmation that Kuol Manyang Juuk (SPLM) won the April 11—15
polls in Jonglei, reactions from the public are mixed. To Ayuen
Garang, a town resident, who accepts election results, says there is nothing to dispute or celebrate.
“It is good to elect leaders. We are yearning here for democracy and I
welcome the results for governorship post,” he said. “There is nothing
to celebration because it is the same system back to power,” he added
in reference to the reelection of the three executives who are
incumbent leaders.
“It is good for peace to have peaceful election and accepting election
results is paramount,” James Luel, a town resident said.
The victory of Kuol Manyang Juuk (SPLM), the incumbent Jonglei State
governor, has being welcomed by United Democratic Front (UDF), said
James George, the State chairman of the party. The UDF never filled a candidate against Mr. Kuol.
When contacted on Monday evening by Thuraya (satellite) phone in
Khorfulus, Pigi County George Athor Deng who contested for Jonglei
State governorship in this month election and came second with 67,639
votes, second after SPLM candidate Kuol Manyang, says he was still
drafting a formal message as respond to election results.
(ST)