SPLM denies candidates must travel to Juba for election forms

JUBA — The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has rejected reports that its members seeking elective positions in the December 22 general elections must travel to Juba to collect nomination forms.

The ruling party said aspirants outside the capital will instead receive the forms in their respective states through party delegations expected to begin distributing them next week, as the SPLM steps up preparations for the elections.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Juba, SPLM Acting Secretary for Culture, Information and Communication Jimmy Atilio said 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.

“That’s not true. We are actually providing the forms for those who are not able to travel to the States within this specific period from the 5th to the 9th of this month. Those who are available in Juba, they are eligible to come and collect their forms immediately,” Atilio told journalists.

He said the October 9 deadline applies to aspirants collecting forms in Juba, while those in the states will receive the documents through party delegations.

“From next week, there will be a delegation or task force sent to the States, and they will be taking along with them the forms for those who are interested for different positions of the party and of the government through the party process,” he said.

The forms are intended for members seeking different elective positions, including legislative seats and governorships, as the SPLM begins its internal candidate-selection process.

Atilio said the party had not yet established the number of members seeking nomination, saying the process was still ongoing.

“The process is continuing. The process is not ending and we have a good number of people who have now expressed their interests for different positions or candidacy,” he said.

The SPLM 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 party is also preparing for its Third National Convention, which is expected before the end of November, while candidate selection has become a major focus ahead of the December polls.

While the ruling party is intensifying its electoral activities, the National Elections Commission’s 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.