Former Governor Bakasoro Seeks SPLM Ticket for National Parliament

Former Western Equatoria State governor Bangasi Joseph Bakasoro has expressed his interest in representing the interests and concerns of his constituents in the national parliament if elected. He is currently seeking the ruling SPLM ticket in the ongoing party primaries for the Tambura Constituency No. 8 seat in the National Legislative Assembly in Juba. Bakasoro stated that he wants to be the voice of his people and address the challenges they face.

Bakasoro, a seasoned politician, has held several senior positions in the national government, including governor of Western Equatoria State from 2010 to 2015 and national minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development. He was appointed minister of Presidential Affairs in November 2023 but was dismissed in August 2024. Bakasoro is competing against several other candidates for the SPLM ticket and emphasized that he wants to continue serving his people at the national level.

If Bakasoro wins the party nomination and secures the parliamentary seat, he plans to raise the needs and challenges facing his constituents. He also aims to work on enacting laws that promote development in South Sudan. Bakasoro described the parliamentary seat as a step forward in his political career, having never served as a national lawmaker before. He previously served as a national minister and does not intend to return to contest for the governorship.

Bakasoro discussed his decision to vacate his position as governor, stating that he wants to create space for young people to take on leadership roles. He emphasized that life will move on if he loses the primaries and that he would pursue other opportunities within the government. Bakasoro expressed confidence that the security situation in Western Equatoria State is generally stable, despite some challenges in Nagero County and Bou.

The security challenges in Nagero County and Bou, near the border with Western Bahr el Ghazal State, are being monitored by the regional force. Bakasoro stated that he would not be deterred by these challenges and would focus on the primaries. He urged SPLM members contesting various positions to remain united and described the primaries as an internal party process that should not create divisions or hostility.

Bakasoro called on unsuccessful candidates to accept the results and not let losing the primaries mark the end of their political careers. He emphasized that there are many opportunities within the SPLM and the government, and members should not let the outcome of the primaries cause hatred and problems. Bakasoro has a background in politics, having founded the South Sudan National Movement for Change in 2017.

Bakasoro's return to the SPLM in July 2021 marked a significant development in his political career. He was appointed national minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development and later minister of Presidential Affairs. Bakasoro's experience and commitment to serving his people have earned him a reputation as a dedicated leader. He will continue to work towards securing the SPLM ticket and representing his constituents in the national parliament.

Key points

• Bakasoro aims to be the voice of his people in the national parliament and address the challenges they face.