Machar slams Kiir’s party for using public money to fund election campaigns

JUBA – South Sudan’s First Vice President and head of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Dr. Riek Machar Teny on Saturday slammed the ruling SPLM party under President Salva Kiir Mayardit for using public money to fund its elections campaign.

Machar’s remarks came following a recent ruling party’s massive mobilization campaign across the ten states and three administrative areas to prepare the party ahead of the 2023 polling which is yet to be agreed upon by the parties to the revitalized peace agreement.

He warned the ruling party against using public money to organize itself for forthcoming elections.

“The SPLM has been using government money to mobilize themselves for elections and they say that they are ready for elections,” Machar said during the launch of registration of party members in Juba on Saturday.

“The red group has launched a big campaign program, it is their right to start a campaign but where do they get this money they are using for their campaign,” Machar told supporters and SPLM-IO official during the launch.

The prominent opposition leader demanded equal sharing of money among political parties so that they can also well start elections campaigns.

“The SPLM should desist from selfish use of government funds for their own benefits. You should stop eating government money alone,” he jokingly said.

“We also request the SPLM to do the same, give us money since we are also citizens of this country. If they get their rights from the constitution, we are also part of the constitution.”