SPLM says it’s determined to uphold democratic values October 1, 2013 (JUBA) - The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), which rules the new state of South Sudan, pledged on Tuesday its commitment to advance democratic values and establish a pluralistic state. Acuil Malith Banggol, an official from the SPLM’s national secretariat, said the government will work hard to convince sceptics at home and abroad that it is truly committed to democratic change. The SPLM official made the comments during a roundtable debate hosted by Radio Miraya FM, which is sponsored by the United Nations. "A lot of things have taken place and there are many more things to be done. The president is listening and acting in the interest of our people. You have seen the way he responded to the popular demand by our people by reducing the size of the government", he said. "We have to continue to work hard, as there are many people within and outside the country who are sceptical and suspicious of our government", he further stressed. In August president Salva Kiir Mayardit downsized his cabinet significantly. This was an indication that the leadership of the party has started a wave reforms, observers say. The acting secretary general of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), Deng Bior, who participated in the discussion, said he was encouraged to see many political forces participating in the political process. "We hope things change. We expect the elections commission to show transparency this time. The intelligence of our people was not considered in the last elections. They were not given the opportunity to listen to different views", he said referring to the general election of May 2010 where the opposition party members had been detained and prevented from carrying campaign or to reach the electors. "But things seem to have changed, otherwise I would not have been here talking today. I hope the situation continues to improve so that our people get the opportunity to exercise their right in the next election which is their democratic right", he further said. President Salva Kiir, who is the chairman of the SPLM, said last month a trip to Wau that the SPLM would rule South Sudan for the next century. Reacting to reports of infighting over government and party positions, Kiir told party members to be patient claiming that no other political party was competent enough to win the support of the people and defeat the SPLM at the ballot box. Since coming to power as part of a peace deal in 2005 the SPLM’s popularity in South Sudan has appeared to wane despite guiding the country to independence from Sudan. Insecurity, human rights abuses by the armed forces, and attacks on press freedom and freedom of expression have dented the party’s image as well as huge corruption scandals. To address South Sudan’s socio-economic challenges, Banggol said, the SPLM would look to strengthen the rule of law, boost private enterprise and improve the impoverished country’s basic infrastructure. "I think that the president is perfectly sincere in all these changes. He wants to bring true democracy and his now making all efforts possible toward achieving it." The official also explained that his party was fully committed to promoting the core democratic values which are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles to enhance peace and unity in the country. “These values are clearly expressed in our Constitution and other significant documents. We have the right to live without the fear of injury or being killed by others. We believe everyone has the right to live”, he said referring to the freedom to life as well as the right to express an opinion over any matter. South Sudan’s transitional constitution has at times been overlooked by Kiir and the SPLM, most notably in Lakes state when a fresh election was not held within the specified time frame after Kiir replaced the elected governor in January this year. Banggol talked about South Sudan’s diversity, which he said was mirrored in the SPLM. "Our diversity should be our strength and it is the belief of the SPLM that our diversity should not be abused. We need to respect it and even celebrate those differences. There are many examples of diversity that we can share. Working and playing with everyone comes to mind when one thinks of diversity. This diversity can be seen in the structure of the SPLM leadership and all organs and structure today. It is our strength”, he explained. He further explained power belongs to the people and that the idea of majority rule, whether it’s a vote for the President or the legislative assembly, should not be misconstrued to mean simply that most votes wins. "It is more than that. It’s the idea that the power of this government comes from the people. It must be seen that the legitimacy of our government come through their votes", he said. Banggol went to described patriotism as a personal display of love and devotion to the country, its values, and principles. "Standing up during the singing of our national anthem at the start of a sporting event is just one way of showing patriotism. It also means being aware of our entire core democratic values", he explained.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:44:52 +0000
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