SPLM-DC acknowledges referendum results

By Amoko Robert

February 1, 2011 (JUBA) — The Chairperson of Sudan People Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC) in Central Equatoria state Peter Yeka said Tuesday that the state secretariat and the general secretariat of his party have acknowledged the preliminary results of the south’s referendum, which saw a 99% vote in favour of independence.

Yeka told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that, people of southern Sudan have been longing for their opportunity to exercise self determination. He congratulated southern Sudan for their tirelessly participation during the plebiscite, which on January 15.

The politician appealed to the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM), from whom the SPLM-DC split in 2009, who govern the south, to work hand in hand with the other political parties to achieve the aspirations of the people of the region as which were discussed during a conference of the south’s political parties in October last year.

“The resolution in the south-south dialogue should remain as spelt, we in the party, the SPLM-DC doesn’t expect any violation of the agreement, if at all violated then the government which will be formed after the interim period will have no future”, he added

The state chairperson said the government should accurately follow the resolutions of October’s conference and not go back to square one.

He said that there was no need to undermine the protocols of the agreement, which he hoped would lead to the formation of a “broad government that will be inclusive of all the political parties in the region”, he said.

Yeka claimed that, the President of the Government of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the chairperson of the SPLM, may already have violated one of the resolutions in the conference of southern political parties by not including some political parties to the committee to review the southern constitution in light of excluding some political parties. He said the appointments were biased and undemocratic.

“All the political parties need to fully participate in the reviewing of the constitution because the government which is going to be formed will be broad government that will includes all the involvement of the parties in the democratic governance but not only one party ruling,” Yeka said.

He further said that the dialogue had brought all the political parties together many whom had grievances of after elections in April 2010.

“We have voted for our freedom so lets be a true political die hard that will work on safe ground but on one objective in service delivery to the people of south that to enhance development of the semi-autonomous region.”

The SPLM-DC state chairperson also appealed southern Sudanese to wisely and peacefully celebrate the preliminary referendum result. Final results are due to be confirmed by February 15.

He said the SPLM-DC have fully contributed to make sure that, the plebiscite was carried on time without any delay by taking part in the registration and the voter mobilization process.

“Our mission and vision are very clear, we are working as [SPLM-]DC to make sure the people of southern Sudan understand our objectives, we encourage the political parties, the church leaders, the chiefs to encourage peace among each other so that, peace can prevail”, he added.

(ST)