Lobong gave the directive on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed caretaker commissioners, administrators, and mayors in the state capital, Torit.
“You are assigned a very difficult task at a critical moment, where our country and our people are going for the democratic election. One of your priorities is security and peace,” Lobong said.
He urged local leaders to prepare the ground for political parties and individuals to campaign when the campaign period opens and ensure all contestants receive equal security.
“One of your tasks is also, through the security organ, that there should be no incitement from the parties or individuals to the community,” he said.
Lobong warned that anyone who incites the community would be acting against the law and urged the officials to familiarise themselves with election laws.
South Sudan is preparing for national elections scheduled for Dec. 22, 2026. President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government along with national and state legislative assemblies on Sept. 22, establishing a caretaker administration ahead of the vote.
Under the presidential order, caretaker officials are required to remain politically neutral and are strictly prohibited from using public office, government resources, or state institutions to promote or disadvantage any political party or candidate.
The National Elections Commission’s campaign regulations similarly require public authorities to treat candidates impartially and prohibit the use of state resources for campaigning.
Seven commissioners, five administrators, and two mayors took their oaths during Thursday’s ceremony.
The new commissioners will oversee Torit, Lafon, Ikwoto, Magwi, Budi, Kapoeta North, and Kapoeta East counties, while the administrators will serve in the Ngauro, Kimotong, Kidiopo, Kasengor, and Kauto administrative areas.
Lotede Abraham Lomuria was sworn in as caretaker mayor of Kapoeta Municipal Council, while Eddy William Ponsiano was appointed caretaker mayor of Torit Municipal Council in addition to his appointment as commissioner for Torit County. Caretaker positions for Kapoeta South County, Imehejek Administrative Area, and Nimule Municipality are yet to be appointed.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed commissioners, Magwi County caretaker commissioner Lam Francis Gabriel said the officials had been entrusted with responsibility for serving their communities and would remain accountable for their conduct.
“Today, you people have entrusted us to come and stand together with you,” Gabriel said.
He pledged to work with communities and other levels of government to fulfil their responsibilities.
“We are in the world of transparency and accountability. We are young leaders,” Gabriel said.
