Why did the SPLM withdraw from the race?

Well the SPLM's candidate for the national president Yasim Arman pulled out of the race last week, raising questions about the legitimacy of the whole process.

Some analysts have hinted that this could have been because of a behind-the-scene deal between the SPLM and President Bashir which allowed for Bashir to secure the presidency in return for a guarantee that the proposed referendum on the independence of the south goes ahead without difficulties.

So why did the SPLM pull out?

I put that question to the head of the SPLM and president of the south Salva Kiir Mayardit