A high-level SPLM delegation has assured aspirants in Eastern Equatoria State that they can campaign freely ahead of the party's internal elections. Ambassador Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, who chairs the delegation, made the assurance at the SPLM state secretariat in Torit on Wednesday. He emphasized that no contestant should be prevented from meeting supporters, lobbying party members, or organizing political activities. Gatkuoth urged caretaker Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and county commissioners to guarantee the security of all aspirants.
The assurance came amid an executive order by Torit municipal authorities requiring prior authorization for public gatherings and meetings. The order, issued on November 3, prohibits parties, gatherings, and meetings without authorization from the Torit County and Municipal Council authorities. Gatkuoth, however, assured aspirants that they can organize rallies and other political activities, and the delegation will intervene to ensure their security.
Gatkuoth urged aspirants facing interference from security personnel while meeting supporters to report directly to the delegation. He promised to intervene and ensure that security is provided for them. The delegation's assurance is seen as a move to ensure a peaceful and transparent process ahead of the party's internal elections. Gatkuoth also urged residents to remain peaceful throughout the process.
The SPLM primaries and congresses in Eastern Equatoria State are set to begin on Thursday, November 5. The process will involve electing party structures and delegates at each administrative level, culminating in a state congress comprising 255 delegates. The congress is expected to elect the SPLM state chairperson, who could become the party's candidate for the Eastern Equatoria governorship in the December elections.
Caretaker Governor Louis Lobong Lojore had earlier cautioned aspirants against holding public campaign meetings, saying the process was intended for internal party lobbying rather than public campaigning. He expressed concern that some aspirants were already meeting communities, including people who were not necessarily SPLM members. Lobong also questioned the presence of heavily armed bodyguards accompanying some contestants.
The SPLM delegation has estimated that the exercise will take two to three days, with delegates electing their representatives through an open queuing system. Gatkuoth emphasized that caretaker officials, including the governor, ministers, advisers, and commissioners, will not be allowed to participate in the internal electoral process, citing directives from the SPLM leadership.
The differing positions have raised questions about how aspirants can meet supporters and lobby party members while complying with the restrictions on public gatherings. Despite the concerns, Gatkuoth urged residents to remain calm and peaceful throughout the process. The SPLM primaries and congresses are expected to conclude with the election of the party's state chairperson.
Key points
- The SPLM delegation has assured aspirants in Eastern Equatoria State that they can campaign freely ahead of the party's internal elections.
- The Torit municipal authorities have issued an executive order requiring prior authorization for public gatherings and meetings.
- The SPLM primaries and congresses in Eastern Equatoria State are set to begin on Thursday, November 5.
