Western Bahr el Ghazal Women Criticize High Nomination Fees for Elections

Women leaders in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have expressed concerns over the high nomination fees charged by political parties for the upcoming elections. According to them, the exorbitant fees will discourage many women from participating in the electoral process. The leaders argue that the fees are a significant barrier, as many women cannot afford them, which will ultimately affect women's political representation in the state.

Julet Luka Mudiria, a peace mediator, emphasized that the high nomination fees are blocking women from contesting in the elections. She stated that many women are willing and equipped to lead but are hindered by limited resources. Mudiria urged political parties to reduce the nomination fees, allowing more women to participate in the electoral process. She noted that women often save their money for their children, and the high fees demanded by parties will lead to limited participation of women in the election.

Carmela Augustino, Acting State Women Union chairperson, revealed that women have not received any funds to help them mobilize fellow women to understand their rights in the upcoming election. She stated that they have been discussing election preparedness but lack the necessary funds to sensitize women. Augustino expressed willingness to accept funding from well-wishers to support women's participation and push for the 35 percent affirmative action and beyond.

Regina Edward Dimo, Director General at the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said they are trying to educate women about the upcoming election but lack funding to run the activities. She noted that there are no donors supporting women with civic education, and the high fees for candidates are affecting women's participation in the state. Dimo emphasized the need for support to enable women to participate effectively in the electoral process.

According to the women leaders, candidates are required to pay Two Million South Sudanese Pounds, although the amount may vary depending on the party and position. They argued that these expensive fees affect the participation of women candidates for various positions, including governorship, national parliament, and state parliament. The leaders emphasized that the high fees will limit women's representation in the state.

The women leaders' concerns highlight the challenges faced by women in South Sudan's electoral process. They stressed that the high nomination fees will undermine women's participation and representation in the state. The leaders called on political parties and well-wishers to support women's participation in the elections, ensuring that they can exercise their right to participate in the democratic process.

The issue of high nomination fees has sparked a debate about women's participation in South Sudan's elections. The women leaders' advocacy for reduced fees and increased support for women's participation is crucial in ensuring that women's voices are represented in the state's governance. The outcome of this issue will have a significant impact on women's political representation in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

Key points

• Women leaders in Western Bahr el Ghazal State criticize high nomination fees for elections, citing limited resources and potential decreased female participation.