PART 1 : The Way of the People

The fifth anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) that ended the tiring war in our country has come and gone so quietly without any notice.

One major reason---because the politicians are busy with the coming elections. In addition, they have a legitimate reason to do so. It is hoped that the coming election will determined the sustainability of the CPA. This hope cannot only be the hope of the International Community it must also be our hope. We as Southern Sudanese must strive to bring lasting peace to our country.

This is why we must invest our voting power wisely during this election. This is why I have resolved to invest my time to bring to you my fellow Southern Sudanese what I would rather consider pep talk throughout the coming weeks and months. In a series of short articles, I hope to encourage us all to vote very wisely during this election.

We must not allow our emotions, greed and short-term benefits to override our intellect as we vote during the coming election. Let us leave that for our politicians who do it best. Each and every Sudanese should understand that we owed it not only to ourselves, but also to the future of our children when we vote this coming election.
It is our responsibility as Southern Sudanese to understand that the coming election is not only about our future, it also about the future of our children. It is about eradicating poverty and building a lasting peace for ourselves. It is about educating our young generation so as to ensure a good and informed leadership in the future.

This coming election is about good governance and democracy in Southern Sudan.
In one of the few papers I posted in the past, I mentioned the need for our leaders to recognize that democracy is only feasible in a transparent and accountable society. I urge our leaders to not just talk about democratic change but to understand that it is imperative that they exemplify the change through their leadership. I also cautioned against making decisions that will affect the masses of the people behind close door. Our leaders must adopt the culture of inclusiveness in decision-making if the people matter to them.

Democracy I stated previously is about people and most importantly about the people that are being governed. It is our rights as Sudanese to know at all, times what our leadership is doing to improve our well-being and secure the future for our children. As you vote in this coming election, seek to cast your vote for a leader that understands and practice these changes.
Thank you,
Martin Modal