SPLM’s Amum calls on Warrap citizens to vote for separation
By Ngor Arol Garang
January 5, 2011 (ABYEI) – Pagan Amum, Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), south Sudan’s ruling party, on Wednesday called on citizens of the southern state of Warrap to vote for separation in the regions upcoming referendum scheduled to take place on Sunday to achieve long lasting peace and stability.
Amum, a senior member of the SPLM, which controls affairs of the Juba based regional Government of Southern Sudan, was addressing a large crowd gathered at Kuacjok town, capital of Warrap State on Wednesday.
He urged registered voters to safely keep their registration cards in readiness for the plebiscite. A turnout of over 60% of registered voters in needed for the vote to be valid under the referendum law passed by the Sudanese National Assembly.
The referendum is a key part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between, former southern rebels the SPLM and the Khartoum-based National Congress Party after over two decades of civil war.
The senior official who is also minister of peace and CPA implementation in the regional government, said in a speech broadcast on Warrap FM that the option of unity had not been made attractive during the five and a half years the SPLM and NCP have shared power.
“The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which we signed with National Congress Party gives unity option a priority but on the basis that it has to be made attractive to south Sudan during the six years of interim period,” said Amum.
“It is the responsibility that must not be compromised. If you need freedom, it is your vote that will liberate you from all subjugations and treatments. Therefore, our people who have registered should not to miss the voting day. They have to be encouraged to go the polling centers. If you are in town and have registered in your village please return to where you registered for voting,” he said.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune from Kuajok, Makuac Akot Ngongdit, a deputy SPLM spokesperson in the state, described the visit of Pagan Amum as “significant boost” to moral of the local people in the area.
“The visit of comrade Pagan Amum today gives a significant boost to the moral of our people. Our people were extremely happy and welcomed him wholeheartedly. Comrade Pagan did not mince his word[s]. He made [an] encouraging statement when he called on the citizens to vote wisely and in their choice,” said Ngongdit.
Amum has been toruing the south in recent days to encourage southern Sudanese to vote for separation.
Ngongdit, the most senior member of the SPLM in the state government, said Amum spent about five minutes explaining to prospective voters at the gathering, the symbols that will be used during the self determination vote, which begins on Sunday.
“The one palm waving means separation while the two palms holding each other in greeting gesture means unity of Sudan”, Ngongdit quoted Amum as explaining to the crowd.
On his part, Ngongdit also urged citizens of Warrap to vote for separation.
“We have been suffering for long. We have to use the referendum this time to come out of slavery. We have to stand firm to face the struggle so as to acquire freedom we much need. We have to be very careful in taking our decision,” he said.
The official also advised Southern Sudanese not to be scared of those out to derail the process, saying they are acting so out of desperation. He reminded citizens of Warrap that their weapon is prayer and maintenance of peace.
Last week Sudanese President and head of the NCP, Omar Hassan al-Bashir said that he would recognize the result of the referendum, which will take place 9 to 15 January.
Sudan’s south is widely expected to secede to create a new nation.
(ST)