One of the four candidates who are contesting for the position of the speaker of Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly has stepped down.

The seat of the speaker of the state assembly felt vacant on the 18th February after the death of the former speaker, Emmanuel Ambrose Ocholimoi.

The acting speaker of the assembly, Paul Napwon, told Eye Radio that Honorable Charles Udwar has submitted a written letter withdrawing his candidature.

His motive has not been established. However, officials say the withdrawal is meant to ‘maintain the unity of the SPLM’.

Hon Napwon says he also expects other candidates to drop their candidature also due to delay of elections, which he says may not take place on time.

“That has been a good start and we are hoping for the others also,” said Hon Napwon.

“We need the parliamentarians not to go into any misunderstanding amongst themselves, because at the end of the day we have not come in order to be speakers, we have come here as members of parliament.”

He added that members of the SPLM parliamentary caucus in Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly will reach a consensus on one candidate who will contest for the post of the speaker.