SPLM Secretary - General Pagan Amum addresses the press in Juba. [©Gurtong]
By Juma John Stephen
JUBA, 08 February 2010 (Gurtong) –Speaking at a press conference last Friday at the party headquarters, Amum said the SPLM Political Bureau is deeply concerned with the phenomenon where many SPLM leaders who did not succeed in the party nominations have decided to contest as independent candidates, opposing SPLM members in various positions.
“We see this as a problem that could divide the party and the Political Bureau is appealing to all the members and leaders not to divide the party and the votes as well as engaging in any power struggles because we have mission and programmes to achieve”, Amum said.
“The Political Bureau has resolved to engage in dialogue with leaders who have decided to contest as independents. Some of them even resigned from the SPLM to contest as independent candidates. We have started to conduct these meetings and many of the comrades have sent their letters not to contest against SPLM candidates and we are happy this will maintain the unity of the party”, he added.
The SPLM Secretary General said the party is composed of freedom fighters and volunteers who are motivated with self denial, hence the SPLM should not be an organisation that divides itself.
“We are happy that these discussions are going on well and we will continue discussing with all the comrades who are contesting as candidates for governorship and I’m confident that we will succeed to maintain our unity and hence ensure a landslide victory during the elections”, said Amum.
He also announced that the SPLM Political Bureau has passed the SPLM manifesto for its candidates to use during campaigns ahead of the general elections.
“We approved the SPLM electoral manifesto with a central goal and objective as to why the SPLM is contesting in such elections and is summarised in three main objectives”, he explained.
Amum said that should SPLM capture the Presidency of the Sudan and the Presidency of Southern Sudan and form the next government, the party will ensure smooth transition in Sudan after next year’s Referendum.
“If the choice is unity we will create a better environment for unity and if the choice is separation we will ensure that separation will be peaceful and a good relationship between the two countries maintained to the best interest of the Sudanese people”, he said.