Independent candidate in Western Equatorial State challenge SPLM

Joseph Bakosoro has issued a statement reiterating his stand as an independent candidate for the elections of Govenor of Western Equatoria State (WES).

Across Southern Sudan, independent candidates are multiplying every day prior to April polls, mainly from reneged SPLM members who feel dissatisfied with the SPLM politburo decisions. Analysts say now independent candidates stand a better chance of winning the next elections as they are becoming the choice of the people. Unconfirmed reports from SPLM leadership reveal that it is set to approach independent candidates to back down, a call which some independents have said they would turn down.

Bakosoro believes his triumph in the April elections relies on the people: “The citizens of Western Equatoria have called upon me to lead them during this critical time leading to referendum and I am determined to respect their calls to unseat the current government in Western Equatoria,” says Bakosoro. "The SPLM leadership is aware of the plea and yearn for change in Western Equatoria, but it decided to deny the will of the people. And if SPLM leadership forces my resignation from the party, I will submit a temporary resignation letter, pending victory in the next upcoming elections.”  In his statement he appealed to the SPLM leadership to respect the will of the people, adding that, “it is only the people of WES who can stop [me] from standing for them.”

A local community leader in Mundri added:“The people of Western Equatoria have the right to choose and not to be imposed on with leaders.”

The WES people, like the people of other states close to them, are embracing a democratic future, even in the face of threats and intimidation. Throughout the State, WES men and women are hoping to vote in the independent candidate for WES’s top Govenor job.  Back in the villages, there is an air of enthusiasm and of expectant victory among the supporters of Bakosoro along with an air of grim determination about Bakosoro’s personality and manner of utterance that resonates with WES households. Observers have noticed recently that with every point he makes hearers rise again and again to their feet and roar back their applause and approval of his stand as an Independent.

Sudan's mainly muslim North and the animist and christian South ended their two-decade war in 2005 and joined a unity government. Tensions remain high as in April the country holds its first genuine multi-party national elections since 1986.