The head of South Sudan's state-owned oil company, Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet), has urged employees to support President Salva Kiir and his ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in December's election, despite rules requiring state institutions to remain politically neutral. Emmanuel Athiei Ayual made the remarks while inspecting fuel depots and stations in the capital, Juba. He stated that the SPLM must be supported by all means, including Nilepet, to ensure the party's win.
Ayual's comments came a day after Kiir dissolved the transitional government and appointed a caretaker administration ahead of elections scheduled for December 22. A presidential decree issued after the dissolution requires officials serving under the caretaker administration to remain politically impartial. The decree prohibits them from using public office, public resources, or government institutions to promote or disadvantage any political party, candidate, or electoral contestant.
South Sudan's electoral rules also prohibit the use of state resources for campaigning. Section 8.1 of the National Elections Commission's Regulation No. 3 of 2024 on Election Campaigns bars political parties and candidates from using state or administrative resources, human resources, or public materials for campaigning, except for public media. The regulation is based on Section 93 of the National Elections Act 2012, as amended.
Ayual's call for Nilepet and its employees to support the SPLM appears to conflict with the restrictions on the use of state institutions and resources for political campaigning. Nilepet is South Sudan's state-owned national oil and gas company and represents the government's commercial interests in the petroleum sector. The company's involvement in the election campaign raises questions about the government's ability to enforce its political neutrality requirements.
Ayual also directly linked the company's fuel operations to preparations for the election. He stated that Nilepet, as the commercial wing of the government, has to procure enough fuel and stock it to support the elections. This statement has raised concerns about the use of state resources for campaigning purposes.
The government has not commented on whether Ayual's remarks breach the presidential decree or whether any action will be taken against him. Kiir dissolved the transitional government, removing the vice-presidents, ministers, and national legislature, and replacing them with a caretaker administration ahead of the December election. The dissolution followed amendments to the National Elections Act, which paved the way for the vote and allow Kiir to remain in office until an elected president is sworn in.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by South Sudan in ensuring a free and fair election. The country's electoral rules and regulations are in place to prevent the misuse of state resources and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. However, the involvement of state-owned companies in the election campaign raises concerns about the government's commitment to upholding these rules.
Key points
- State-owned oil firm Nilepet backs President Salva Kiir's campaign, violating election rules.
- The company's involvement raises questions about the government's ability to enforce its political neutrality requirements.
- The incident highlights the challenges faced by South Sudan in ensuring a free and fair election.
