Former Public Service Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth has lost the SPLM primaries for the National Assembly seat representing Longechuk County in Upper Nile State to Gach Wuol Guandong.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, October 22, Lol who one time said “Kiir is my tribe” received 44 votes, compared with 131 secured by Guandong.
Despite his defeat, Lol acknowledged the outcome and called on party members to uphold democracy, unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Democracy is good for our country, and we must continue to uphold its principles, even when the outcomes do not favour us,” he said.
Lol also raised concerns about the electoral process, alleging that some new members from the SPLM-IO had been misinformed about him and that supporters of his candidacy had faced intimidation.
However, he said preserving peace and stability should remain the priority despite the concerns.
“Our differences must never be greater than our love for our people and our country,” Lol said, adding that he was pleased the primaries had concluded peacefully.
He commended the SPLM High-Level Committee, led by Magueth Deng Kuol, for overseeing the process in Longechuk County.
Lol also urged the Gajaak Nuer community, particularly residents of Longechuk County, to unite behind President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the SPLM in the forthcoming general elections.
“As a committed member of the SPLM, I will actively campaign for H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and all SPLM candidates to ensure our party’s success at the polls,” he said.
He called on party members to set aside personal differences, strengthen the party and prioritise the interests of the people.
“Let us move forward together, strengthen our party, protect our peace, and put the interests of our people above personal differences,” Lol said.
The post Ezekiel Lol suffers heavy defeat in SPLM primaries for Longechuk seat first appeared on Eye Radio.