Thousands of supporters turned up today at John Garang’s Memorial in Juba to demonstrate their hold up for South Sudan presidential candidate Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The SPLM organized the event under the theme of “Hope for change.”
The crowd shouted “SPLM oyee, our hope for change” as a helicopter with the SPLM flag flew over the heads of the cheerful crowd.
Dr. Anne Itto, SPLM deputy secretary general for the Southern Sector, told the rally that the party is proud to present its candidate for GoSS president.
She said Mr. Kiir will peacefully lead the South through the remaining interim period.
Mr. Kiir’s campaign manager, Dr. Samson Kwaje, called upon southerners to vote 99 percent for Mr. Kiir.
He added that the large crowd that gathered at Juba stadium and then rallied to Garang’s Memorial already indicates Mr. Kiir’s victory.
Clement Wani Konga, running for Central Equatoria Governorship, called on the gathering to vote for Kiir to lead them to the awaited referendum.
Mr. Konga added that the SPLM runner for the presidency of the republic, Yasser Arman, is the only candidate capable of fully implementing the CPA.
Mr. Kiir concluded the rally with a call for the unity of Southern Sudan.
He promised that there will be no return to war and asked people to vote for individual candidates and not alongside tribal lines.
Mr. Kiir added he will appoint Dr. Riek Machar Teny as his vice-president if he is elected as GoSS president.