JUBA SOUTH SUDAN Renowned SPLM/A member and influential politician, Akol Paul, shared his strong views on the upcoming presidential elections at an address to the Rumbek Youth Union in Juba, South Sudan. Speaking to a captivated audience of youth leaders and intellectuals from the Lakes state, particularly the Agar community of Rumbek, Akol asserted that census data is not essential in the electoral process.
“There is no necessity for census data in the electoral process,” declared Akol, emphasizing the importance of social solidarity as South Sudan prepares for the general elections, drawing parallels to the time leading up to the Referendum.
During the event, concerns were also raised about the country’s oil flow to the international market, with disruptions near the pipelines by RSF and government forces hindering the transit of oil.
In support of Akol’s perspective, Member of Parliament, Hon. Paul Mayom Akech, urged the youth to come together for peace at the grassroots level and endorse President Kiir in the upcoming elections. He stressed the significance of progressing with the electoral process despite challenges like the unimplemented aspects of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005.
Deputy Minister of Interior, Hon. Marial Gumke, reassured the public about providing complete security during the elections to safeguard the constitutional rights of the South Sudanese people to choose their leaders. The commitment to a secure and transparent electoral process was highlighted to enable the country to move forward democratically despite existing challenges.
The political landscape in South Sudan seems dynamic as various key figures express differing views on the electoral process, emphasizing the complexities and the importance of ensuring a fair and inclusive election for the nation’s future.
Former health minister of Warrap state, Gum Dhal, called upon veteran Paul Mayom to employ traditional approaches of elders for support in addressing current challenges. Former Undersecretary and Agar community secretary , William Ater Machiek, stressed the need to morally support the youth, while acknowledging the mistakes made by previous generations.
The dialogue among these prominent figures underscores the diversity of opinions shaping South Sudan’s electoral process and the nation’s path ahead.