A delegation from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has reported that caretaker county commissioners in Unity State declared themselves county party chairpersons, despite a presidential order barring them from contesting elections. The delegation, led by David Yau Yau, encountered challenges and resistance from county commissioners during its work in Unity State. The team had been tasked with conducting SPLM primaries in the state.
Yau Yau stated that the committee had been unable to resolve the issue despite explaining the party leadership's guidelines to the officials. The caretaker commissioners' actions were seen as contradicting the work of the delegation, which had been instructed to follow guidelines issued by the party leadership. The delegation spent 12 days organising SPLM congresses to select candidates for governor and parliament but left Unity State before completing the primaries.
Tensions arose over claims that caretaker county commissioners had been instructed to contest for SPLM county chairperson positions. The delegation's report, presented to the SPLM leadership in Juba on October 28, 2026, raised concerns over compliance with the presidential order. Yau Yau said the delegation had sought to follow the party leadership's guidelines but faced resistance during its work in the state.
The Unity State government has denied allegations that it intended to defy presidential directives or obstruct the SPLM primary elections. Caretaker Minister of Information and Communications Nyakenya Johannes Keah rejected the allegations, describing them as unverified. The minister's statement was issued on October 28, 2026, before Yau Yau presented his report to the SPLM leadership in Juba.
The presidential order, issued earlier, barred caretaker officials from contesting in the elections. The order aimed to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. However, the actions of the caretaker commissioners in Unity State have raised concerns over the implementation of the order.
The SPLM leadership is expected to address the issue and determine the next course of action. The party's high-level electoral committee will likely review the report and decide on measures to ensure compliance with the presidential order. The outcome will be crucial in determining the fate of the primaries in Unity State.
The developments in Unity State have significant implications for the electoral process in South Sudan. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the SPLM in ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process. The party's ability to address the issue will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the elections.
Key points
- Caretaker county commissioners in Unity State declared themselves county party chairpersons, contrary to a presidential order.
- The SPLM delegation faced resistance from county commissioners during its work in Unity State.
- The Unity State government has denied allegations of defying presidential directives or obstructing the SPLM primary elections.
