Eastern Equatoria caretaker governor Louis Lobong Lojore has cautioned aspirants seeking political positions under the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) against premature campaigning, tribal incitement, and the use of heavily armed bodyguards during the party's internal selection process. Lobong made these remarks at the SPLM state secretariat in Torit on Tuesday, shortly after arriving from Juba. He urged party members to respect the nomination process and support those seeking to contest for political positions.
Lobong dismissed speculation about his participation in the forthcoming elections, stating that he was not collecting a nomination form at this stage. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the SPLM, saying he had remained a member since joining politics and had never defected to another political party. Lobong emphasized that the ongoing exercise is an internal party process intended for lobbying among SPLM members, not public campaigning.
The governor criticised aspirants who are already holding community meetings and presenting themselves as prospective governors and members of parliament before the primaries have been concluded. He questioned the presence of heavily armed bodyguards accompanying some aspirants, warning against unnecessary displays of security during the party process. Lobong also stated that victory in the SPLM primaries would not automatically guarantee final nomination.
Lobong warned that candidates' names would be submitted to the party's national commission for consideration, and that criminal records could affect candidates' eligibility. He cautioned aspirants against using tribal divisions, hate speech, and inflammatory statements to mobilise support. The governor directed county commissioners to discourage unauthorised community campaign meetings until the official campaign period is announced.
A high-level SPLM committee, led by Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, has arrived in Eastern Equatoria to oversee preparations for the party's primary elections. SPLM state secretary for political mobilisation Ephone Emmanuel Lolimo stated that the committee's visit is part of the party's internal democratic process and urged members at county level to participate and choose leaders they believed could serve the party and the wider population.
Lolimo warned against repeating what he described as mistakes made during the 2010 political process, when some people later expressed regret over their choice of leaders. He urged party members to make responsible choices, saying the primaries should produce leaders capable of serving their communities and strengthening the party. The committee's arrival comes as lobbying and political consultations intensify within the SPLM in Eastern Equatoria ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The SPLM is preparing for its internal selection process, with the party's national commission set to consider candidates' names submitted by the state. The party aims to ensure a smooth and transparent process, with a focus on choosing leaders who can serve the party and the wider population. The forthcoming elections are expected to be a crucial moment for the SPLM in Eastern Equatoria.
Key points
- Eastern Equatoria caretaker governor Louis Lobong Lojore warns SPLM aspirants against premature campaigning and tribal incitement.
- Lobong dismisses speculation about his participation in the forthcoming elections.
- A high-level SPLM committee has arrived in Eastern Equatoria to oversee preparations for the party's primary elections.
