The People’s Liberal Party (PLP), one of the opposition parties out of the unity government in Juba, criticized the nomination of a legislator from the SPLM-IO faction loyal to Taban Deng Gai to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Majongdit told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that the SPLM-IO group led by Taban Deng Gai is not a political party but an armed opposition movement with its military wing.

Mayen told radio Tamazuj on Sunday that the election of a member representing an arm group to the East African Legislative Assembly will encourage other armed groups to operate in the East African region.

Mayen explained that Taban’s group was not registered as a recognized political party in South Sudan.

The party leader revealed that they plan to petition the East African Legislative Assembly on the matter. “We will not allow the armed opposition to represent South Sudan,” Mayen said.

The race for the East African Legislative Assembly was concluded last week with nine members elected to represent South Sudan.

Out of the nine winners, one is member the armed opposition allied to Taban Deng Gai.