By Ngor Arol Garang

February 25, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — An independent candidate contesting governor post in the southern State of northern Bahr el Ghazal, General Dau Aturjong Nyuol, has, while addressing his first ever public rally pledged to bring developmental changes in the area.

Thousands of inhabitants filled Aweil town freedom Square to witness the launching rally amidst dances and traditional celebrations from residents in the area conveying signs showing need for real change.

In his electoral campaign speech at the launching rally, the candidate, who addressed crowd of his supporters estimated to be 10, 000, people at Aweil freedom Square on Wednesday 24, urged local population to exercise their democratic right to elect credible leaders at the voting day.

"The upcoming elections allow you choose leaders of your choice, people you trust to manage your affairs without betraying them," he said. "You do not need to elect them based on parental linkage but on principles with programs beneficial to you in your respected localities. This is the meaning of the peace. Peace does not mean absence of gun sound but lack of visible developmental projects."

Therefore, he underscored that Aweil needs efficient administration able to pay more attention to peace and stability, unity among people, good governance and accountability with special focus on community based developmental projects such as building and establishment of agricultural and educational facilities, health care units, clean drinking water; roads to name but few.

"These are not electoral campaign proposals. They are plans which will be implemented if you elect me as your next governor because some of you who were with me in the bush know me to attest," he said.

He was referring to record of his achievements while serving as brigade commander when he bought military jeeps, vans, and uniforms, built new military barrack at Wunyiik and sent more officers and none commissioned officers for military training in and outside South Sudan during war.

"We have been served by leaders appointed to govern our affairs based on presidential prerogatives but this system is shifting to popular rule in April. By the end of April, a government brought by public majority shall have been installed to look after our affairs," he said Honorable Arthur Akuien Chol who was present at the launching rally.

The General whose electoral slogan reads ’United we stand; divided we fall’ said his elected government will be determined to draw community attention to working together for good governance and better services delivery.

The gubernatorial contestant campaigns with proposals including provision of equitable social services, development of law enforcement agents, economic growth through generation and utilization of local resources, access to clean drinking water and sanitation, restoration of cultural practices and dignity regardless of social status, fair power sharing among others.

Dau is a veteran soldier who joined SPLA while young as student and served till January 2010 when he succumbed for pressure on him to stand as gubernatorial candidate.

(ST)