A member of the East African Parliament, Hon. Gideon Gatpan Thor, has declared his intention to contest for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) gubernatorial ticket in Unity State. Gatpan, a former Unity State Minister of Information, aims to lead the oil-rich state ahead of South Sudan’s December general elections. South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, 2026, marking the country’s first national elections since independence in 2011.
Gatpan outlined his priorities, which include addressing oil pollution, tackling flooding, strengthening security, promoting accountable governance, and investing state resources in public services such as schools and hospitals. He emphasized the need for accountable leadership, stating that his administration would maintain open books for Unity State. Gatpan called on SPLM members in Unity State to support his candidacy, citing his previous public service experience.
Gatpan’s leadership experience includes serving as Unity State Minister of Information and Commissioner of Mayiandit County. His declaration comes as several aspirants seek the SPLM ticket ahead of the gubernatorial race. Other contenders include former Minister of Land and Housing Michael Chiangjiek, former Unity State Governor Justice Riek Bim Top, and three other aspirants.
The SPLM party primaries will determine the party's candidate for the Unity State governorship in the December elections. The outcome will shape the party’s representation in the state-level contest as political parties prepare for the national polls. Gatpan’s bid is seen as a move to strengthen his position within the party and potentially lead the state.
South Sudan’s general elections are expected to be a significant milestone in the country’s history. The elections will mark the first national polls since the country gained independence in 2011. Various political parties are preparing to select candidates for presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative races.
The country’s electoral process is gaining momentum, with parties conducting internal primaries to determine their candidates. Gatpan’s declaration is part of this process, as he seeks to secure the SPLM ticket for the Unity State governorship. His priorities focus on addressing critical issues affecting the state, including environmental and infrastructural challenges.
The competition for the SPLM ticket in Unity State is intensifying, with several aspirants vying for the position. Gatpan’s experience and proposed agenda will likely be key factors in the party’s decision-making process. The party primaries are expected to be a crucial step in determining the party’s representation in the state-level contest.
Key points
- Gatpan aims to address oil pollution, flooding, and security concerns in Unity State.
- The SPLM party primaries will determine the candidate for the Unity State governorship.
- South Sudan is set to hold general elections on December 22, 2026.
