South Sudan parliament elects Magok Rundial as new speaker

September 2, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s national legislative assembly has elected Magok Rundial as its new speaker.

A little known Rundial from Unity state was unanimously endorsed at 3:15PM on Monday confirming the week-long speculations that president Salva Kiir has been mobilising parliamentarians to elect him.

No voting was conducted during the endorsement.

A member of the assembly said Kiir on Monday clearly told them to elect Rundial and two deputies of his choice, reiterating his earlier intimidation of parliament to support his actions and choices or risk being dissolved.

Rundial replaces James Wani Igga who was last week appointed South Sudan’s new vice president following the July 23 sacking of Riek Machar.

The parliament has also elected two deputy speakers: Gen. Mark Nyipuoch and Jasmine Samuel. Mark Nyipuoch was the former governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal state before the April 2010 elections.

The former deputy speakers Daniel Awet Akot and Fatima Nyawang Biliu resigned from their assembly positions.

(ST)

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