The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has denied reports that its members seeking elective positions in the December 22 general elections must travel to Juba to collect nomination forms. According to SPLM Acting Secretary for Culture, Information and Communication Jimmy Atilio, the party is making arrangements to distribute the forms to aspirants outside the capital through party delegations.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Juba, Atilio clarified that the forms are currently available at the party's national secretariat from October 5 to 9 for members who are able to travel to the capital. He emphasized that those who are not able to travel to Juba will receive the forms in their respective states through party delegations expected to begin distributing them next week.
The SPLM is stepping up preparations for the elections, with the party's internal candidate-selection process underway. The forms are intended for members seeking different elective positions, including legislative seats and governorships. Atilio said the party had not yet established the number of members seeking nomination, saying the process was still ongoing.
The party has intensified its internal preparations for the December elections in recent weeks, including directing party cadres to return to their constituencies and grassroots structures ahead of primary elections and party congresses. The SPLM is also preparing for its Third National Convention, which is expected before the end of November.
While the ruling party is intensifying its electoral activities, the National Elections Commission's (NEC) preparedness for the elections remains unclear. With about two months to the elections, the NEC has not begun voter registration, and voter education has also not started. The commission has cited a lack of funding for the delay in kickstarting its process.
South Sudan is expected to conduct its first elections since gaining independence in 2011. The elections are scheduled to take place on December 22, and the SPLM is one of the key parties expected to participate. The party's candidate-selection process is seen as a crucial step towards the elections.
The SPLM's clarification on the distribution of election forms comes as the party seeks to ensure that all its members have an opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The party's efforts to make the process more inclusive and accessible to its members are seen as essential for the success of the elections.
Key points
- The SPLM has denied reports that candidates must travel to Juba to collect nomination forms.
- The party will distribute forms to aspirants outside Juba through party delegations.
- The SPLM's internal candidate-selection process is underway, with the party preparing for its Third National Convention.
