A group of Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) cadres in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has objected to the proposed return of Nadia Arop as head of the party's high-level delegation overseeing the primary elections in the area. The objection comes after the SPLM suspended its ongoing party congresses and primary elections in GPAA on Thursday, November 5, citing unspecified technical challenges. The suspension was announced in a directive issued by Nadia.
The GPAA State Congress had been scheduled for Friday, November 6, but was postponed until further notice. In the directive, Arap-Dudi asked delegates to remain on standby, saying a new date would be communicated officially. She also urged party members to maintain discipline as arrangements were made to resume the process. The primaries, which are intended to select candidates for the December 2026 General Elections and restructure the party, had been underway in GPAA for more than a week.
In a letter addressed to SPLM Secretary-General Dr Akol Paul Kordit, the cadres questioned Nadia's neutrality, accusing her of supporting one of the contestants and attempting to influence the outcome of the primaries. They raised concerns about her technical adviser, former SPLM Secretary-General Beko Konyi, whom they accused of supporting former Chief Administrator Gola Boyio Gola, who is also contesting in the primaries.
The group further alleged that Konyi, who serves as an adviser to caretaker Chief Administrator Joseph Boyoi Ngare, had used political influence to intimidate people. The cadres said they feared the proposed return of Nadia and her team could undermine the credibility and fairness of the party's internal elections. They called on Dr Akol to consider their concerns and reject the proposed return.
The allegations were contained in a press statement read on behalf of the group. The statement did not include responses from Nadia, Konyi or the caretaker Chief Administrator. The SPLM cadres' concerns highlight the challenges facing the party's internal elections in GPAA, which are crucial for the selection of candidates for the December 2026 General Elections.
The party's internal elections in GPAA were suspended due to unspecified technical challenges, which has raised concerns about the party's ability to conduct free and fair elections. The SPLM Secretary-General, Dr Akol Paul Kordit, will need to consider the cadres' concerns and make a decision on Nadia's proposed return.
The outcome of the SPLM's internal elections in GPAA will have implications for the party's performance in the December 2026 General Elections. The party's ability to conduct free and fair elections will be crucial in ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.
Key points
- SPLM cadres in GPAA object to Nadia Arop's proposed return due to concerns over neutrality and technical adviser's alleged bias.
