Daniel Awet Wins SPLM Primaries in Cueibet, Set to Contest National Legislative Assembly Seat

Veteran politician Daniel Awet Akot has emerged victorious in the ruling SPLM primary election for Geographical Constituency No. 1 in Cueibet County, Lakes State. He secured 734 votes to become the party's candidate for a seat in the National Legislative Assembly. Awet defeated three other candidates, including Abraham Ayiec Gop, who received 177 votes, Riak Zachariah Mathen with 24 votes, and Joseph Kuol with 10 votes.

The results of the primary election were officially announced at Cueibet County headquarters on Friday. General David Yau Yau, chairperson of the SPLM high-level committee overseeing primary elections and party congresses in Lakes State, declared Awet the winner. Yau Yau congratulated Awet on his victory and urged community members and voters to remain patient and maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

Lakes State Information Minister William Koji Kirjok praised the peaceful conduct of the primaries across Cueibet County. He urged residents to remain calm and maintain peace in the area. The peaceful primary elections in Cueibet County are a positive development ahead of the December 22 general elections.

Daniel Awet is a veteran politician and former senior military commander during South Sudan's liberation struggle. He has held various high-profile positions, including minister of internal affairs in the former Government of Southern Sudan and governor of Lakes State from 2007 to 2010. Awet also served as deputy speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 2010 until September 2013.

In May 2016, President Salva Kiir appointed Awet presidential adviser on military affairs. He was later appointed second deputy chairman of the SPLM in December 2022, as part of a restructuring of the party's leadership. However, he was removed from this position in May 2025, alongside other senior party officials, in a leadership reshuffle.

Awet's victory in the SPLM primaries makes him a key contender for the National Legislative Assembly seat. His experience and background in politics and military affairs make him a prominent figure in South Sudanese politics. The outcome of the general elections will determine whether he secures the seat.

The SPLM primary elections in Cueibet County are part of a broader process leading up to the December 22 general elections. The elections will determine the composition of the National Legislative Assembly and the country's leadership. Key to the success of the elections is the maintenance of peace and stability, as urged by General Yau Yau and Minister Kirjok.

Key points

• Daniel Awet Akot won the SPLM primary election for Geographical Constituency No. 1 in Cueibet County with 734 votes.
• Awet defeated three other candidates, including Abraham Ayiec Gop, Riak Zachariah Mathen, and Joseph Kuol.
• The peaceful conduct of the primaries in Cueibet County is seen as a positive development ahead of the December 22 general elections.