SPLM supporters in dilemma over their loyalty

The news about Yasir Arman’s resignation is upsetting SPLM supporters across Southern Sudan. The political campaigns have gone deep in the villages and people are becoming aware of who to vote for and how to make their own choices, for the first time in their lives. So now people are set in a dilemma and feel confused as the news of the SPLM withdrawal spreads all over the South of Sudan.  It is worse in the villages where there are no televisions and radios to get the latest information. The explanation given for the withdrawal by some SPLM leaders does not satisfy many. Dr Anne Itto, the SPLM Deputy Secretary General for Southern Sector on Thursday announced that the party will participate fully in the parliamentary elections. But she did not explain which President the SPLM supporters should vote for now.

Dr Anne Itto speaking in the SPLM Press Conference

Of course, the question that people are asking now is which President to vote for now? The people do not understand the circumstances that led to the resignation of their Yassir Arman.

“Who do I vote for? said one supporter on the streets of Juba.  Another supporter said "I don’t know know who to vote for now” and wanted the posters of Yasir Arman to be removed. "Why do they keep his photos, if he is telling us not to vote for him now.  They should now remove them."  There are also those that are happy that Arman has resigned because he is a northerner and possibly in favour of unity over secession. They say it is a success for the independence of South Sudan because if Arman would be elected he would attract Southerners for unity.

This is becoming a very big topic for discussion on the internet, for those that can get access. Young people now spend much of their time on web social networks like the Facebook, Sudantribune and SudanVotes to discuss this latest development.

Yesterday when I spoke to SPLM supporters on the streets of Juba there were many calling it political immaturity by the SPLM, while others say it is cowardice not to contest against Bashir. They argue that the resignation could have been done much earlier. Others say the decision does not keep to the agreement made with the National Election Commission.  For example, as the Sudanvotes editors highlighted, the NEC set 3rd February 2010 as the deadline for candidates to withdraw their nomination.

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This means that even though the people cannot vote for him, his name will still be there on the ballot paper next week.   What powers should the NEC have now to stop Arman's pull out many are asking.  If he signed an agreement, does this not mean he can be taken to court for breach of this agreement?

Yesterday when I spoke to SPLM supporters on the streets of Juba there were many calling it political immaturity by the SPLM, while others say it is cowardice not to contest against Bashir

I ultimately believe that this resignation is a blow to the credibility of the SPLM Politburo and their reputation.  Arman's decision followed a meeting by the Politburo, which we are told is the highest decision making body of the SPLM.   People are now starting to doubt their ability to lead.  They also have been criticised for nominating leaders that suit their political priorities over the needs of the people, and this is why the independent candidates are getting so much popularity.  In February, the Secretary General of the SPLM, Pagan Amum did accept this when he met the independent candidates to persuade them to return to the SPLM.  Then he admitted that the nomination of the SPLM candidates was not done in a correct way.

To restore the confidence of the supporters, the SPLM needs to clarify to the people quickly how to vote this Sunday. Until then the SPLM supporters in the grassroots are in total confusion. They need quick clarity on the matter.