SPLM Lakes state contests election of Independent candidate supported by SPLM-DC

By Manyang Mayom

May 9, 2010 (RUMBEK) – The Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) said will bring to justice a case against an Independent candidate who won a local election because he was supported by the SPLM-DC.

Shadrack Bol Machok won a state assembly seat with over 4530 votes against SPLM candidate Gideon Shulu Mbele Lenge who got 3864 at constituency No. ten of Domuloto.

Machok detailed in a letter, seen by Sudan Tribune, he sent to the SPLM-DC leader Dr Lam Akol the expenditure of 15000 Sudanese pounds received from this party urging to provide him with more money to cover his activities in Rumbek.

Lakes state SPLM Secretary Samuel Mathiang Keer, affirmed that his party has taken the case of the independent candidate to court affirming the southern Sudan ruling party would never accept the Shadrack’s victory.

“we are serious and we will continue in court with Shadrack Bol Machok. The SPLM will not be defeated by forgery candidate who assumed to be an independent while he was contesting under SPLM-DC ticket – this is a big deceive toward our community and SPLM will never accept him and we shall deal with him in all kind,”Samuel said.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone, the SPLM-DC Secretary General Charles Kisanga, said noting prevent his party from supporting an Independent candidate “if there is a need to support an independent candidate, we can support him financially,” Charles said declining provide more details.

Meanwhile, SPLM-DC chairman Dr. Lam Akol, admitted supporting Independent candidate Shadrack and accused the SPLM of rigging election in the Lakes.
“We have supported Mr. Shadrack Bol in his campaign; it is that SPLM party which has completely rigged our election in various counties of Lakes state,” adding his party will not recognize the result in Lakes state.

SPLM defeated candidate, Gideon Shulur said they will contest the results in court not only because of the SPLM-DC support but also they suspect the local officials of rigging the election results.

“The primary result from polling station was nice, but what Commissioner and CEO who is serving as Wulu county executive director and inspector of account Mr. Martin Saba rigged the election. They were caught by security after having stored boxes in their private house.

He further said he had lodged a complained to the Supreme Court in Khartoum stressing he would not accept his defeat.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune by telephone on Sunday evening, Mr. Shadrack Bol Machok, refused to comment saying “We were seeking financial support”. He pledged to talks with the media after his return to Rumbek.

(ST)