By Sabri Dibaco
The ongoing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) primary elections in Western Equatoria State are witnessing the emergence of new political faces, with several established politicians reportedly losing their bids for party nominations ahead of the anticipated general elections.
Among the notable defeats is that of former National Minister of Youth and Sports Mary Nawai, who reportedly lost the SPLM primaries in Ibba County to Adriano Esengo.
Esengo was elected as the party’s flag bearer for Ibba County Geographical Constituency No. 4, adding to the growing number of political figures facing challenges from new candidates in the internal party elections.
The results have raised questions about the political future of long-serving leaders and whether voters are increasingly seeking a change in representation after years of familiar faces occupying government and party positions.
For some residents, the emergence of new candidates reflects dissatisfaction with political leadership that they believe has not adequately addressed persistent challenges, including unemployment, poor roads, limited health services, inadequate educational facilities and slow development.
A female resident of Yambio who requested her identity not be revealed said the emergence of new candidates offered voters an opportunity to reconsider the kind of leadership they wanted.
“We have seen the same faces in leadership for many years, but the lives of ordinary people have not changed as expected. We want leaders who can listen to the people, understand our problems and bring development to our communities,” she said.
She said the electorate expected leaders to address challenges affecting families, particularly unemployment and limited access to essential services.
“We are tired of hearing promises during political campaigns. Our children need schools, our communities need hospitals, and young people need opportunities. We want leaders who are ready to serve the people,” she said.
A male resident in Ibba County, Malesh Gimiko, described the primaries as an opportunity for the party to open political space to new leadership.
“Some leaders have been in government since independence, but people are still struggling with poor roads, unemployment and a lack of basic services. This is the time for the party to allow new people to take responsibility. Leadership should not belong to the same individuals forever,” Gimiko said.
Gimiko cautioned that new candidates should not automatically be considered better leaders simply because they are unfamiliar faces.
“We welcome new leaders, but being new is not enough. We need people with integrity, experience, vision and the ability to deliver. If someone has failed to serve the people, there should be an opportunity for another person to try,” Gimiko opined.
The ongoing political developments follow organisational changes within the SPLM in Western Equatoria.
On November 3, 2026, the SPLM High-Level Organising Committee for Congresses and Primary Elections, chaired by Deng Dau Deng, issued Order No. 001/11/2026 dissolving party structures at state, county, payam and boma levels.
The changes were part of the party’s organisational preparations for congresses and primary elections.
Earlier, Deng Dau Deng called on party members to take ownership of the process, emphasising grassroots participation in selecting candidates.
Although the emergence of new candidates may indicate changing political preferences within the party, winning the primaries does not automatically guarantee victory in the general elections.
The credibility of the exercise will also depend on transparency, inclusiveness and whether defeated aspirants accept the outcomes.
For Western Equatoria residents, the growing competition between established politicians and new candidates has brought renewed attention to accountability, representation and the performance expected from those seeking public office.
The central question remains whether the new candidates emerging from the primaries will translate their victories into meaningful leadership and improved services for communities across the state.