Deng Deng Akuei, governor of Aweil East state has announced appointment of additional nine members of the local legislative assembly, ending months of political lobbying among politicians seeking either community or party support for nomination for a parliamentary seat.
According to an order announced on Saturday, Deng appointed Mario Angui Lual Garang, Mawien Malou, Santino Deng Deng, Bol Adim Nuer, Garang Deng Deng, Deng Garang, Dominic Ajith Wieu, Regina Achol Zachariah and Tong Atak Mel.
Another official appointed by a separate order was Abraham Wol Kom as the clerk of the state assembly. The appointments come after the governor also announced his picks for deputy governor, advisors for various positions and members of the local cabinet.
The speaker of the parliament and the deputy have however not been appointed. Officials say General Paul Malong Awan, Chief of General staff the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), which is the official army of South Sudan, has already indicated interest in the appointment of one of his relatives, Akoon Diing Angok, for the position.