Security, referendum top President Kiir’s priority list
By Julius N. Uma
May 17, 2010 (JUBA) — The new administration under Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit will consider the 2011 referendum and security matters as top priorities for its five-year strategic plan, Sudan Tribune has learnt.
South Sudan President-elect, Gen. Kiir beat his main challenger; SPLM-DC’s Dr. Lam Akol, securing 93 percent of the votes in Sudan’s first-ever democratic elections.
While speaking during last week’s party forum, President Kiir, also Chairman of SPLM said he was committed towards the formation of an inclusive government; a statement applauded by newly-elected party members from both the South Sudan Legislative and National Assemblies.
The President, due to be officially sworn-in on May 21, also lauded his outgoing executive as well as the legislative arms of government for their exceptional performances at various levels.
But as he welcomed newly-elected party members, Gen. Kiir reminded them of the challenges that lie ahead of their obligations, urging them to remain steadfast in their obligations.
Sudan Tribune has reliably learnt that the new Parliament is likely to have two Deputy Speakers, albeit South Sudan’s Interim Constitution lacks that provision. As such, plans are underway to have the issue debated and a law enacted.
“We’re pondering of creating two deputies for the Speaker of Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly but that is not in our constitution. We will ask the Parliament to look into the proposal and see if a law can be enacted to create such a post,” President Kiir reportedly told party members gathered at the Saturday forum.
Meanwhile, apart from addressing other key areas of the economy, development and ensuring good governance through the rule of law, President Kiir’s new administration will have to grapple with the challenge of trying to implement the numerous issues outlined within his manifestoes.
Critics have, however, cast lots of doubt in the new Kiir administration, with many arguing that the semi-autonomous regime will still bring back its loyal cadres and much- anticipated changes could be a myth, than reality.
“Just look at our current health sector. The maternal and child mortality rates in South Sudan are still alarming and yet these are key issues outlined among the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals]. Over the years, funds allocated end up in a few hands. This is outrageous and I don’t expect to see anything new in the next five years,” a newly-elected member of South Sudan Democratic Forum (SSDF) told this reporter yesterday.
South Sudan may not have been a direct signatory to the Millennium Declaration, which gave rise to the eight MDGs expected to be achieved by 2015, but the regions reportedly made tremendous progress towards this. According to the 2004 South Sudan MDGs report, key success were recorded in the areas of Universal Primary Education, gender equality and women empowerment as well as malaria eradication; three of the eight MDGS.
(ST)