The Chief Editor of The Dawn newspaper, Emmanuel Monychol Akop, has joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) primaries for a National Parliament seat representing Tonj North County in Warrap State. Akop, also a member of the Media Authority Board of Directors, is contesting for Constituency 10, representing Greater Akop. This constituency includes Aliek, Alabek, Rualbet, Akop, and Marial-Lou Payams of Tonj North County.
Akop explained his decision to leave journalism for politics, citing a desire to serve his constituency more directly. He mentioned that his people face challenges such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, and food shortages. Akop stated that communal conflicts, cattle raids, and road ambushes have affected the area, and residents suffer from poor infrastructure, lack of medical facilities, and hunger.
Akop's decision to seek a parliamentary seat aims to address these challenges and improve conditions for his constituents. He believes that being elected to Parliament in Juba will bring him closer to government authorities and humanitarian organizations that can support efforts to address the challenges facing the area. This proximity will enable him to reduce suffering among his people in Greater Akop of Tonj North County.
Akop is seeking the SPLM nomination against three other aspirants, including former Warrap State Governor Ustaz Lewis Anei Madut Kuendit, and politicians Marol Ayom and Makol Dhal. Ustaz Lewis Anei was the first Governor of Warrap State following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and is an outspoken supporter of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The SPLM has directed members seeking elective positions to participate in internal primaries before securing the party's endorsement to contest in the national elections. In October, the party's Secretary-General, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, announced that nominations for various elective positions would be conducted from October 5 to 9, as part of the movement's internal democratic process.
The party received 848 applications for different positions nationwide, including 417 applications for geographical parliamentary constituencies. The primaries aim to give party members and grassroots structures a role in selecting candidates who will represent the SPLM in the general elections. The outcome of the contest will determine who secures the party's nomination to represent Constituency 10 of Greater Akop in the National Parliament.
The competition for the SPLM ticket brings together aspirants with different political and professional backgrounds as they seek the support of party members in Tonj North. The entry of Akop, a veteran journalist, adds to the contest, which is part of the preparations for the December 2026 general elections. The SPLM primaries will ultimately decide the party's candidates for the national elections.
Key points
- Emmanuel Monychol Akop, Chief Editor of The Dawn newspaper, joins SPLM primaries for Tonj North County parliamentary seat.
- Akop cites insecurity, poor infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare services as challenges facing his constituency.
- The SPLM primaries aim to give party members a role in selecting candidates for the December 2026 general elections.
