SPLM makes SSP 2.5 billion from nomination fees ahead of December polls

South Sudan’s ruling SPLM has collected SSP 2.54 billion in nomination fees from 848 members seeking to run on the party’s ticket in the Dec. 22 general elections, party officials said.

Each aspirant paid SSP 3 million for nomination forms during the registration window from Oct. 5 to Oct. 9, SPLM Secretary-General Akol Paul Kordit told a press conference in Juba on Saturday.

“This money will be used to facilitate the process of primaries and congresses,” Kordit said.

Who paid

The 848 applications break down as follows:

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

Paying is no guarantee

Kordit said paying the fee does not guarantee a place on the SPLM’s final list. All aspirants must first pass an eligibility screening before facing party primaries and congresses. High-level party committees have been sent to several states to continue the process.

Aspirants must also sign a loyalty pledge to accept the internal results. Those who lose will not be allowed to run as independent candidates, and members who break party rules face disciplinary action.

“No member of the SPLM is allowed to contest as an independent candidate,” Kordit said.

Why it matters

The SSP 3 million fee is far beyond the reach of most South Sudanese, raising questions about whether only wealthy or well-connected members can compete for the ruling party’s tickets. The SPLM is so far the most visibly active party in election preparations, while other parties have shown little public activity on choosing candidates.

The vote would be South Sudan’s first general election since independence in 2011.

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SPLM makes SSP 2.5 billion from nomination fees ahead of December polls

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