Akot Lual Arech Wins SPLM Primary in Warrap State Amidst Dispute

Akot Lual Arech has emerged victorious in the ruling SPLM primary election in Warrap State for a seat in the National Legislative Assembly. He secured a landslide win with 275 out of 279 votes cast in Constituency No. 5, which covers Akon South, Akon North, and Alek West in Gogrial West County. This constituency is the home area of President Salva Kiir. A total of 315 delegates were registered to participate, but 36 were absent on Saturday.

The election was marred by a dispute over voting procedures, leading to the boycott of the primary by three rival candidates: William Wol Mayuol, Duwar Deng, and Agasio Akol. They received two, one, and one vote, respectively. The boycotting candidates had demanded a secret ballot, but the election committee insisted on voting by queue, prompting their withdrawal. Despite this, the committee proceeded with the vote, placing empty chairs to represent the withdrawn candidates.

The SPLM primaries are part of the party's internal candidate-selection process ahead of its national convention and general elections scheduled for December 2026. Kuoch Nyuol, head of the SPLM high-level committee overseeing the primaries in Warrap State, stated that the election was conducted legally and transparently. He urged all candidates and their supporters to accept the results.

Before the vote, the three boycotting candidates submitted a formal complaint to the committee on November 3, questioning Arech's eligibility and alleging irregularities in the election process. They questioned whether Arech, a serving army officer, had formally resigned from the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) before joining the party primaries. The candidates also accused him of bribing local chiefs with motorcycles and cash to influence delegate selection.

The dispute intensified with allegations of irregularities and concerns over the presence of military personnel at the voting centre. Despite the boycott, some supporters of the withdrawn candidates stood behind the empty chairs representing them. Arech's victory followed days of grassroots mobilisation and engagement with communities across the constituency. His supporters celebrated the outcome, praising his engagement with residents and humanitarian assistance.

After being declared the winner, Arech pledged to involve community members in setting development priorities and identifying ways to improve service delivery in the constituency. He plans to improve services and will consult his team and local communities on how best to address their needs. Arech described the victory as significant and pledged to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people he hopes to represent.

Akot Lual Arech, a relative of President Kiir, is a military officer and politician with a background in the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF). He previously served as Kiir's private secretary and special presidential envoy on Pibor affairs. Arech also participated in the 2014 peace negotiations between the government and the SSDM-Cobra Faction, led by David Yau Yau. In 2017, he was appointed security adviser to the governor of the then Gogrial State.

Key points

• Akot Lual Arech won the SPLM primary election in Warrap State with 275 out of 279 votes.
• The election was boycotted by three rival candidates over a dispute about voting procedures.
• Arech's victory was followed by pledges to engage with the community and improve service delivery in the constituency.