Paul Mayom Akech Loses SPLM Primaries in Rumbek East to Malek Reuben Riak

Veteran politician Paul Mayom Akech has lost the ruling SPLM primary election for Geographical Constituency No. 5 in Rumbek East County, Lakes State. The election, held on Thursday in Aduel, the administrative headquarters of Rumbek East County, saw Malek Reuben Riak emerge as the party's candidate. Riak won with 399 votes, defeating Akech, who secured 265 votes. The primary election is part of the ruling party's process of selecting candidates for South Sudan's general elections on December 22, 2026.

The primary election had five other candidates contesting the seat. Thon Manyuon received 69 votes, Laat Maker Riak 68, Andrew Marial Mayen 21, and Marial Ater Malok six. Four delegates were absent during the voting process. David Yau Yau, chairperson of the high-level committee overseeing the SPLM primaries in Lakes State, described the exercise as free and transparent. He thanked delegates for their patience, saying the voting had continued from the morning until the results were determined.

Paul Mayom Akech, a veteran SPLM politician, has held several ministerial positions in governments before and after South Sudan's independence in 2011. He first served as minister of internal affairs in the semi-autonomous Government of Southern Sudan. In May 2009, President Salva Kiir appointed him minister of information and broadcasting in a cabinet reshuffle. Akech conceded defeat and congratulated Riak, describing the primary as transparent and open.

Malek Reuben Riak, who previously held senior military positions, including deputy chief of staff for logistics, deputy chief of defence staff, and inspector general of the army, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department and the United Nations Security Council. Despite the sanctions, President Kiir appointed Riak deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs in September 2018. Riak congratulated the party on the peaceful conclusion of the primary, describing his selection as its candidate for the forthcoming elections as a major responsibility.

Riak pledged to work with party members to represent the interests of Rumbek East residents and address their concerns. He also vowed to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and their needs are met. As the newly selected candidate, Riak will represent the SPLM in the general elections on December 22, 2026.

Paul Mayom Akech, on the other hand, said he would remain active in the party and continue serving in his capacity as a member of the SPLM Political Bureau. Akech emphasized that the loss in the primary election does not bring him down, as he has higher positions in the party. He expressed his commitment to supporting the party and its candidates in the upcoming general elections.

The SPLM primaries are part of the ruling party's process of selecting candidates for the polls. South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, 2026, in what would be its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011. The elections are seen as a crucial step towards consolidating peace and stability in the country.

Key points

• Malek Reuben Riak won the SPLM primary election with 399 votes, defeating Paul Mayom Akech who secured 265 votes.
• Paul Mayom Akech conceded defeat and congratulated Riak, describing the primary as transparent and open.
• The SPLM primaries are part of the ruling party's process of selecting candidates for South Sudan's general elections on December 22, 2026.