By Yiep Joseph
Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Peter Lam Both, has said, the election delay does not change their party plans, maintaining that President Salva Kiir remains their sole candidate for the upcoming 2026 election.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Lam said the SPLM’s commitment to Kiir’s candidacy remains intact despite the election’s extension to 2026.
He noted that after two mega endorsements in the Equatoria Region and the Bahr el Ghazal Region, only the Upper Nile Region remains to be covered for a nationwide endorsement.
“The endorsement we have remained with is for the Upper Nile region, and after the rainy season we will have the endorsement for comrade Salva there,” Lam said.
The secretary-general reiterated that SPLM continues to be committed to all its activities that prepare for the election, as it has been their promise.
Lam emphasized that SPLM as a party continues on the path to conducting elections.
He promised that the party would not disappoint its members and supporters.
“I wanted to say to members of SPLM and all our leaders that the party will never bring you down; we will compromise on the SPLM principle,” he said.
Previous endorsements
In May 2024, President Salva Kiir accepted his endorsement by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party, Greater Equatoria chapter, as the sole party flagbearer for the now-postponed December 2024 general election.
Addressing the gathering at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, Kiir said his endorsement reflects the Equatoria region’s long commitment and contribution to the SPLM during the liberation struggle.
“This endorsement is an honor not only for me but for the SPLM members across this country. On behalf of SPLM members, I have accepted this endorsement because it reflects the Equatoria region’s long commitment to the SPLM party for the effort during our difficult time,” he expressed.
Also in 2023, Kiir welcomed endorsement from Greater Bahr el Ghazal as a SPLM candidate.
Addressing thousands of party members and supporters in the Western Bahr el Ghazal State capital, Wau, in a show of solidarity, Kiir said he was gratified to be chosen as the party’s flag bearer.