February 28, 2010 (Malakal) — The Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), Dr. Lam Akol, has officially launched his campaign on Saturday in Malakal, Upper Nile State. Thousands of people attended the event. Lam, who is campaigning for change in the autonomous region, laid out his agendas in front of cheering crowd in Malakal. He is running against the incumbent, Salva Kiir.
The president of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), Kiir, launched his campaign about five days ago in Juba. Rumors have been circulating about the possibility that Kiir has issued an order lifting the ban he first imposed on the SPLM-DC since its formation.
Southern Sudan political parties will have political dialogue in early March in Juba to find ways on how the elections in the South and other part of the country will be conducted. Juba insiders confirmed that Southern opposition parties will likely present their own agendas during the meeting. Sources believe that Akol’s party will participate in the meeting.
It is not known yet if the leader of the SPLM-DC will meet Kiir during his stay in the South. Dr. Akol is expected to campaign in Juba and other main cities within the next few days.