The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) National Secretariat has cautioned caretaker government officials in South Sudan against influencing the party’s internal democratic processes. Secretary-General Akol Paul Koordit stated that reports have been received of officials taking measures to favor their preferred candidates. He emphasized that any attempt to intimidate or take action against fellow party members due to their voting preferences is a violation of the party’s rules and regulations.
Koordit revealed that the party’s disciplinary committee has been tasked with investigating the allegations and making its findings public. Although he did not identify the officials or specify the states and administrative areas involved, he warned that those found interfering with the exercise would be held accountable. The Secretary-General urged caretaker government officials to remain neutral and impartial, stressing that the party is recording all violations and actions.
SPLM Chairman and President Salva Kiir has directed party cadres across the country to uphold the movement’s principles through respect, civility, and integrity. Koordit reiterated that active military officers are not eligible to contest for civilian positions unless they formally resign from military service. The SPLM has faced similar challenges involving members with military backgrounds even before South Sudan gained independence.
The party is working to separate its political structures from the military, with some serving officers having submitted resignation letters to participate in the internal elections. However, Koordit did not disclose their identities. The SPLM National Headquarters is overseeing internal elections through primaries at the state, county, Payam, and Boma levels, followed by the respective party congresses, as part of preparations for the December 22, 2026 general elections.
Upper Nile State is the first to complete all stages of the exercise, from the Boma level to the state level, while nine other states and three administrative areas are yet to conclude their processes. The party’s internal elections aim to ensure a smooth transition and credible general elections. The SPLM national secretariat is working to address the challenges and ensure that the party’s principles are upheld.
The warning by the SPLM national secretariat comes amid concerns about the caretaker arrangements in South Sudan, with some critics arguing that they have weakened political consensus. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has also highlighted the fragile consensus over the country’s political transition ahead of elections. The SPLM is working to address these concerns and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The party’s efforts to separate its political structures from the military and ensure neutrality among caretaker officials are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The SPLM national secretariat’s warning and commitment to holding accountable those who interfere with the exercise demonstrate its resolve to uphold the party’s principles and ensure a smooth transition.
Key points
- The SPLM national secretariat has warned caretaker officials against interfering in party primaries, vowing to hold them accountable.
- The party is working to separate its political structures from the military.
- Upper Nile State has completed all stages of the internal elections, while nine other states and three administrative areas are yet to conclude their processes.
