South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) plans to send delegations to the states next week to distribute nomination forms to members seeking to contest positions through the party ahead of the country’s planned general elections.
SPLM Secretary for Culture, Information and Communication Jimmy Atilio told reporters in Juba on Wednesday that party members outside the capital would not be required to travel to Juba to obtain the forms.
He was responding to reports circulating on social media that all aspirants were required to collect the forms in Juba.
“We are actually providing the forms for those who are not able to travel to their states within this specific period,” Atilio said.
He said aspirants in Juba could collect the forms until Friday, Oct. 9, while forms would be taken to the states by party delegations expected to travel there from next week.
“The forms will be reaching to their respective states accordingly,” he said. “From next week, there will be a delegation or task force sent to their 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.”
Atilio said the party had received a “good number” of expressions of interest from members seeking different positions but did not provide a figure.
He said the SPLM would provide figures on the number of aspirants after the registration and collection of forms had been completed.
Atilio said there was no fixed limit on the number of members who could seek the party’s nomination for a particular position, including state governorships.
“We don’t have a specific number for interested aspirants to contest. But rather, we have the requirements set by the law. You will have to meet the requirements,” he said.
He said members who meet the requirements would go through the party’s selection process at the boma, payam, county and state levels before the process reaches the general convention.
Atilio described the process as “free, fair, transparent and equitable” for eligible aspirants.
He said the party could consider extending the Oct. 9 deadline for aspirants in Juba if necessary, but stressed that no extension had been announced.
He advised members who were unable to obtain forms in Juba to go to their respective states, where the forms would be made available.
The SPLM is currently the most visible political party in election-related preparations, having begun its internal nomination process for candidates. Other registered political parties have participated in inter-party dialogue on the elections but, so far, have not announced comparable nationwide activities.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections in December 2026.
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