Kiir’s Referendum Caution To Political Parties

Political parties playing great role on the conduct of the South Sudan’s 2011 referendum have been cautioned against inciting the citizenry during campaigns.

Addressing a gathering of all political parties in South Sudan in Juba on Sunday, the President of the Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit urged activists campaigning in the run –up to the plebiscite to consult and conduct their affairs without contravening the law.

The President said tough action will be taken against activists misleading and inciting people to cause violence in the semi-autonomous region during the conduct of the process.

“We political leaders must refrain from the use of provocative language and utterances during the referendum and work for harmony among our people”, he said.

He announced that the GoSS would fund all the advocacy groups for unity and for secession and assured them the freedom to campaign for the option they prefer.

He also acknowledged and appreciated the role of the religious leaders in the referendum process.

“I would like to acknowledge with appreciation the commitment of religious leaders to unite South Sudanese. Religious leaders continue to pray so that the conduct of the referendum will be free, fair, transparent and peaceful”.

Kiir reiterated his support to work tirelessly and achieve credible results of the referendum.

Early this month, shortly after return from attending a meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York, Kiir cautioned all South Sudanese and activists against threatening and harassing anybody campaigning for either of the two options of the referendum.