The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) is ahead of schedule in preparing for the December 22, 2026 general elections. According to SPLM Secretary-General, Akol Paul Kordit, the party has made significant progress in organising party congresses and selecting candidates for legislative and gubernatorial positions across the states. This development indicates that the party is confident in its preparations, with Kordit expressing optimism that the remaining selection processes would be completed well before the elections.
At a press conference, Kordit stated that the party congresses are progressing smoothly in most states. He mentioned that the selection of candidates for the National Assembly's 102 geographical constituencies is nearly finished. Additionally, choosing gubernatorial candidates can be completed in about an hour during state congresses. This efficient process is attributed to the party's efforts to promote internal democracy and prevent local political interests from influencing the process.
To ensure the integrity of the party's internal electoral processes, officials from various regions are being deployed to oversee congresses in other areas. For instance, officials from the former Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria regions are supervising congresses in the Greater Upper Nile region. Similarly, those from Upper Nile and Bahr el Ghazal are overseeing activities in Equatoria. This arrangement aims to enhance confidence in the party's internal electoral processes and facilitate democratic leadership transitions.
Kordit addressed concerns regarding South Sudan's ethnic divisions, emphasizing the need for deliberate efforts to foster national unity and peaceful coexistence. He acknowledged that the country's society is ethnically structured, but stressed that this reality should not hinder the promotion of unity and cooperation. Kordit's comments highlight the importance of addressing ethnic divisions to ensure a peaceful and harmonious coexistence among South Sudan's population.
The SPLM Secretary-General proposed long-term development initiatives to bring communities together through shared neighborhoods and social interaction. His plan involves constructing 10,000 houses in each state, allocating some to local residents and others to public servants relocated from different parts of the country. These houses could be financed through long-term loans deducted from beneficiaries' salaries over a period of 10 to 30 years.
Kordit also emphasized the need to increase oil production and investment in the country's natural resources to fund development programs and improve citizens' living conditions. He expressed optimism that South Sudan can leverage its natural resources to combat poverty and enhance the welfare of its population. By investing in the country's resources, the government can generate revenue to fund development initiatives and improve the lives of its citizens.
The SPLM's progress in preparations for the December 2026 elections is a positive development for South Sudan's democratic process. With the party's efforts to promote internal democracy and address ethnic divisions, there is hope for a peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the country's population. As the elections approach, the SPLM's preparations will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition of power and a stable future for South Sudan.
Key points
- SPLM reports significant progress in organising party congresses and selecting candidates for legislative and gubernatorial positions.
