SPLM extraordinary convention to only discuss basic documents – Itto

January 24, 2013 (JUBA) – The deputy secretary general of South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Anne Itto, has strongly denied rumours the party will expand its agenda beyond reviewing basic documents at the upcoming extraordinary convention next month.

Reporting on a meeting she had with SPLM leader Salva Kiir, South Sudan Television (SSTV) last week quoted Itto as saying the SPLM extraordinary convention would also discuss “problems within the leadership of the party.”

The convention, which is the first since the independence of South Sudan, is scheduled to take place on 25 February.

However, Itto called a press conference on Wednesday in which she categorically denied any other agenda besides reviewing SPLM documents after the secession.

The documents she said include the party’s manifesto, constitution, rules and regulations and the code of conduct.

She further explained that any other matters would be discussed at the third SPLM convention due to take place “later this year.”

Rumours circulating in the streets of Juba suggest the party plans to review the performance of its top leadership, as well as confirm the next candidate for the 2015 elections.

The regular party convention is supposed to take place after five years, with the last convention held in May 2008.

According to the schedule, the next convention should take place in May 2013.

(ST)