The umbrella of the Other Political Parties (OPP) on Friday unanimously endorsed Peter Mayen Majongdit as their presidential flag bearer for the upcoming 2024 general election.
This endorsement was done at the end of a convention in the Western Equatoria State capital Yambio which was attended by the leaders of the political parties from across the country.
Simon Parakiti, the OPP chairperson in Western Equatoria State, told Radio Tamazuj over the weekend that over 130 participants unanimously agreed to endorse Peter Mayen.
“It was the will of the people of the group to choose Hon. Peter Mayen Majongdit and he was the one we endorsed that was on 25 August to contest for the presidential seat,” he said. “All the members said he is our leader and he was unopposed.”
Speaking shortly after his endorsement, Mayen said he was chosen in a transparent exercise.
“It was very transparent and I was very lucky and I also took the huge responsibility of being nominated as the flag bearer for the umbrella. The umbrella of the OPP believes that development must be founded on the principles of economic, environmental, and social sustainability,” he said. “Government should promote free markets within an overall policy framework that enables all individuals to participate fully in economic life.”
“The coalition of political parties aims to promote peace and stability across South Sudan and calls for the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement as a way to ensure long-term prosperity,” Mayen added.
The OPP Yambio convention resolved that long-term development can only be assured when political and civil rights are secured for all people.
“Separation of powers and the different and independent roles of the executive, legislature, and Judiciary must be respected. In 2024, the elected head of state should only serve a maximum of two terms in office not exceeding four years each to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one individual for a prolonged period,” the OPP resolved. “The Legislature as an assembly of representatives of the people should play a greater role in oversight of the executive, in addition to creating laws. The Judiciary should be impartial and independent.”
The OPP also said the devolution of power creates wider opportunities for individuals to participate in local affairs and to contribute to the development of communities.
“The umbrella is committed to the highest standards of professional conduct in public administration. Openness, accountability, an independent civil service, and the rule of law are essential tools in the fight against corruption,” the convention resolved. “Impunity must be addressed and those found culpable of misconduct should face the full force of the law.”