By Manyang Mayom
RUMBEK, 08 February 2010 (Gurtong) – In the list released at Palm Tree Hotel in Rumbek, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the National Congress Party (NCP) and the African National Congress – Sudan (ANC- Sudan) are leading in the number of candidates contesting for various parliamentary seats both at the state, Government of Southern Sudan and Government of National Unity level.
Meanwhile the NEC timetable has indicated that campaigns will be held between Saturday February 13, 2010 and Saturday April 9, 2010.
It has also set aside April 11, 2010 to April 18, 2010 as the vote counting period which will culminate into the announcement of the results.
Eighteen members of the SPLM have declared interest to contest for seats in the South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA), Government of National Unity (GONU) and Lakes State Parliament.
Several individuals have also opted to contest as independent candidates, among them former party deputy chairperson at the state SPLM secretariat Isaac Kon Anok, who is contesting for a parliamentary seat in GONU.
With the campaign period fast approaching, local politicians are questioning when the current candidates who are still holding their offices will resign to create room for an open political battle.
Four candidates are eyeing the State Governor’s position that is currently held by Lieutenant Daniel Awet who did not sail through in the party nomination stages.