SPLM bans losing aspirants from running as independents in December polls

The ruling SPLM has warned its members that anyone who loses the party’s internal primaries will not be allowed to stand as an independent candidate in the December 22 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba, SPLM Secretary General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit said every aspirant must sign a loyalty pledge to accept internal results. “No member of the SPLM is allowed to contest as an independent candidate,” he said, adding that those who defy party rules face disciplinary action under the code of conduct.

Kordit said the party wants to avoid a repeat of the splits seen around the 2010 elections, when several members who lost nominations ran independently.

848 aspirants, SSP 2.5 billion in fees

Between October 5 and 9 the party received 848 nomination applications:

• 133 for governor
• 23 for chief administrator
• 417 for constituency seats
• 114 for the party list
• 161 for the women’s list

Each aspirant paid 3 million South Sudanese pounds for nomination forms, bringing in about SSP 2.544 billion. “This money will be used to facilitate the process of primaries and congresses,” Kordit said. He stressed that paying the fee does not guarantee a place on the final list, as all aspirants must first pass eligibility screening.

High-level party committees have been sent to several states to continue the nomination process. The SPLM is so far the most visibly active party in election preparations, though questions remain over whether conditions are in place for a credible and inclusive vote.

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SPLM bans losing aspirants from running as independents in December polls

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