The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has introduced a new requirement for individuals seeking leadership positions within the party. Ahead of its internal elections, the SPLM now requires a minimum of 20 years of uninterrupted party membership for candidates. This rule applies to all levels of leadership, including chairperson and secretary positions. The move aims to ensure that prospective leaders have a long-standing commitment and established reputation within the party.
According to Duluma Maker, Technical Secretary of the SPLM High-Level Committee for State Primaries and Congresses, candidates must provide proof of consistent party membership without any withdrawals, defections, or shifts in allegiance to other political groups. This requirement is strictly enforced, and candidates must have been regular party members for at least 20 years. Maker emphasized that the party does not want individuals who recently joined or have a short history with the party to run for leadership positions.
In addition to the 20-year membership requirement, candidates contesting for leadership roles at the county level and above must have completed at least a secondary education. This educational requirement is strictly enforced by the party leadership. Furthermore, candidates must not have any criminal convictions by a competent court of law. Individuals with pending legal cases are advised to refrain from pursuing candidacy until cleared by the court.
The SPLM has also established a nomination process for leadership positions. Candidates must be nominated and endorsed by at least two or three other members from their respective congress. The committee has set non-refundable nomination fees, with varying amounts based on the level of the position sought. Candidates who withdraw from the race will not be able to reclaim their nomination fees or submitted documents, which will remain as party resources.
The 20-year continuous membership requirement appears to have originated during the party's activities in Lakes State. Duluma Maker announced this requirement in Rumbek East County. However, it is unclear whether this requirement applies nationwide or is specific to the ongoing party primaries in Lakes State. The SPLM national secretariat has not yet issued an official statement on this matter.
Attempts to contact the SPLM National Secretariat for clarification on the reported restriction preventing former members of other political parties from contesting leadership positions have been unsuccessful. Party officials have yet to respond to inquiries. Meanwhile, reports indicate that primaries are proceeding in other states without the same restrictions being publicly announced.
The SPLM's new requirements for leadership candidates aim to ensure that party leaders have a strong commitment and long history with the party. The move is seen as a way to strengthen the party's leadership and prevent individuals with short-term interests from holding leadership positions. The SPLM's internal elections are expected to take place in the coming months, with candidates competing for various leadership roles.
Key points
- The SPLM requires 20 years of uninterrupted membership for leadership candidates.
- Candidates must have completed secondary education and have no criminal convictions.
- The new requirements aim to ensure party leaders have a long-standing commitment to the SPLM.
