The caretaker governor of South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, has directed newly appointed local officials to provide equal security protection to all political parties and candidates ahead of the general elections scheduled for December. This directive was given during the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed caretaker commissioners, administrators, and mayors in the state capital, Torit. The governor emphasized the importance of security and peace during this critical period.
Governor Lobong urged local leaders to prepare the ground for political parties and individuals to campaign when the campaign period opens and ensure all contestants receive equal security. He also warned that anyone who incites the community would be acting against the law and urged the officials to familiarize themselves with election laws. The governor's directive aims to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process in the state.
South Sudan is preparing for national elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government along with national and state legislative assemblies on September 22, establishing a caretaker administration ahead of the vote. Under the presidential order, caretaker officials are required to remain politically neutral and are strictly prohibited from using public office, government resources, or state institutions to promote or disadvantage any political party or candidate.
The National Elections Commission's campaign regulations similarly require public authorities to treat candidates impartially and prohibit the use of state resources for campaigning. Seven commissioners, five administrators, and two mayors took their oaths during Thursday's ceremony. The new commissioners will oversee several counties, including Torit, Lafon, Ikwoto, and Magwi, while the administrators will serve in various administrative areas.
Lotede Abraham Lomuria was sworn in as caretaker mayor of Kapoeta Municipal Council, while Eddy William Ponsiano was appointed caretaker mayor of Torit Municipal Council in addition to his appointment as commissioner for Torit County. Caretaker positions for Kapoeta South County, Imehejek Administrative Area, and Nimule Municipality are yet to be appointed. The newly appointed officials have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving their communities and have pledged to work with communities and other levels of government to fulfill their responsibilities.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed commissioners, Magwi County caretaker commissioner Lam Francis Gabriel said the officials had been entrusted with responsibility for serving their communities and would remain accountable for their conduct. Gabriel pledged to work with communities and other levels of government to fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.
The governor's directive and the swearing-in ceremony of the new officials mark a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process in Eastern Equatoria State. The officials have been tasked with maintaining security and peace, and ensuring that all political parties and candidates are treated equally. The elections are expected to take place on December 22, 2026.
Key points
- Governor Louis Lobong Lojore orders equal security protection for all political parties and candidates ahead of South Sudan's general elections.
- The National Elections Commission's campaign regulations require public authorities to treat candidates impartially and prohibit the use of state resources for campaigning.
- Newly appointed officials in Eastern Equatoria State have been sworn in to oversee the electoral process in their respective areas.
