South Sudan: Upper Nile bans armed escorts for SPLM candidates
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eyeradio
Authorities in Upper Nile, South Sudan, have banned SPLM primary candidates from travelling around Malakal with armed escorts and limited the number of personnel allowed at their residences to two. The measures are intended to prevent intimidation and clashes ahead of the internal vote scheduled for 29 October, according to Eyeradio.
Authorities in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, have banned candidates in the SPLM ruling party primaries from moving around Malakal with armed escorts. Each candidate will be allowed only two security personnel at their residence, according to resolutions issued by the State Security Committee after its meeting on 25 October.
The committee also banned unauthorised movements and deployments of armed men around polling stations. Agents accompanying candidates must report to the security authorities on arrival in Malakal to be identified and vetted. Offenders face prosecution under current laws and regulations.
The SPLM primaries are due to begin on 29 October. The acting governor of Upper Nile called on candidates to prioritise peace, unity and the interests of the population, while the committee urged stakeholders to cooperate with security services to prevent clashes and acts of intimidation.
These measures extend the security preparations for the elections initiated by the governor of Upper Nile, announced on 4 October in police reinforcement.
