Part 3: Leadership

On June 10th 2009, the SPLM declared that Dr. Lam Akol was free to form a political party because the new Southern Sudan was a democracy free and fair for all.

The SPLM Secretary General was quoted as saying that “It’s the democratic right of Dr. Lam Akol and the group to form a new party and present themselves to the Sudanese people who would choose their leaders and the party which they want to lead them”. Today, we know that the SPLM has not kept true to the promised of the democratic rights that they afforded Dr. Lam and every Sudanese in this new era of democratic change.

I need not remind you of the devastating blow that the SPLM has shown towards democracy. Far beyond perpetuating poverty and abolishing the extreme corrupt behaviors of its leaderships, we are aware of the attempts to instilled fear into Southern Sudanese citizens in Malakal and Yei. We are also aware of the wanton killings which have left many people including myself wondering about whether we are ready for self-government.

The SPLM-DC may be a new party that is yet to gain prominence on the world stage but we have no doubt of Dr Lam Akol’s leadership and strong urge for democracy. As this election draws near we have observed how the tremendous leadership ability Dr. Akol has aroused the democratic spirit of the Sudanese people and present the party as an element of change that necessary for us at this time.

Once a critic myself, I have come to believe in the leadership and guidance of Dr. Akol because of relentless urge for a peaceful and free Sudan where all Sudanese can be happy again. I had once criticized the SPLM-DC for pointing fingers when it needed to win the trust of the Sudanese people. Today, I have seen the party transformed to become the party of the Sudanese people under the leadership of Dr. Akol. Persistence efforts are being made towards ensuring democratic changes that are congruent and acceptable with democratic values.

More and more we have seen the SPLM-DC exemplifying democratic change through its leadership. The party current political practices and cultures of inclusiveness in its decision making processes are in conformity with democracy and are notable of democratic values. Democracy is about the people that are being governed and Dr. Akol continues to show this practice through the SPLM-DC. Electing him this election will help place our destiny in our own hands as we endeavor make Southern Sudan a country where all people are truly equal.

Thank You
Martin Modal SPLM-DC