SPLM South Sudan: Nomination Forms Distribution to States

• The ruling SPLM will send delegations to South Sudanese states next week to distribute nomination forms for the December 2026 general elections.
• This measure ensures members outside Juba do not need to travel to the capital to obtain forms, addressing social media concerns.
• Aspirants in Juba had until October 9 to collect forms, with a possible extension under consideration but not yet announced.
• The SPLM's internal selection process for candidates will proceed through boma, payam, county, and state levels before a general convention.
• The SPLM is currently the most visible political party actively preparing for the 2026 elections, unlike other parties that have only engaged in dialogue.

The ruling Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) has announced plans to dispatch delegations to various states next week, ensuring that party members across South Sudan can access nomination forms for the upcoming 2026 general elections without needing to travel to the capital.

The ruling Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) has announced plans to dispatch delegations to various states next week, ensuring that party members across South Sudan can access nomination forms for the upcoming 2026 general elections without needing to travel to the capital. This initiative directly addresses concerns raised on social media regarding a perceived requirement for all aspirants to collect forms exclusively in Juba. Jimmy Atilio, the SPLM Secretary for Culture, Information and Communication, clarified that the party is proactively facilitating access for those unable to travel, aiming to streamline the initial phase of the candidate selection process.

Aspirants residing in Juba were given a window until Friday, October 9, to collect their forms directly. However, for members in other regions, the party's strategy involves sending dedicated delegations or task forces. These teams are scheduled to begin their travel to the states starting next week, carrying the necessary forms for individuals interested in contesting various party and government positions through the SPLM's internal mechanisms. This approach underscores the party's commitment to a broad and accessible nomination phase.

Mr. Atilio confirmed that the SPLM has already received a significant number of expressions of interest from members across the country. While specific figures on these initial inquiries were not disclosed, the party intends to release comprehensive data on the total number of aspirants once the registration and form collection processes are fully concluded. This initial phase marks a crucial step in the SPLM's preparations for the general elections slated for December 2026, positioning it as a key player in the nascent electoral landscape.

The SPLM's internal framework for candidate selection is designed to be comprehensive and multi-tiered, progressing through various administrative levels. According to Mr. Atilio, the process will commence at the boma, payam, county, and state levels before culminating in a general convention. He emphasized that this structured approach is intended to be “free, fair, transparent and equitable” for all eligible aspirants, ensuring a thorough vetting and selection mechanism.

Crucially, the party has not imposed any fixed numerical limit on the number of members who can seek nomination for a particular position, including highly contested roles such as state governorships. Instead, eligibility hinges entirely on meeting the legal requirements stipulated by law. Aspirants must satisfy these established criteria to advance through the party's selection stages, rather than being constrained by an arbitrary cap on applicants.

While the deadline for Juba-based aspirants was set for October 9, Mr. Atilio indicated that the party might consider extending this period if circumstances necessitate it, though no such extension has been formally announced. He advised members who were unable to obtain forms in the capital to instead proceed to their respective states, where the forms will be made readily available by the incoming party delegations. This flexibility aims to accommodate members facing logistical challenges while maintaining the integrity of the nomination timeline.

As South Sudan gears up for its general elections in December 2026, the SPLM has distinguished itself as the most visible political entity in election-related preparations. The party's proactive initiation of its internal nomination process for candidates highlights its readiness and strategic focus on the upcoming polls. This early engagement in the SPLM candidate selection process sets a precedent for other political organizations in the country.

In contrast to the SPLM's nationwide efforts in distributing SPLM nomination forms distribution South Sudan, other registered political parties have, to date, primarily engaged in inter-party dialogue concerning the elections. However, they have not yet announced or commenced comparable nationwide activities for candidate selection. This difference in operational readiness underscores the SPLM's current lead in mobilizing its base and preparing for the electoral contest.

The statement from Jimmy Atilio SPLM statement provides critical insight into the party's operational strategy and commitment to a structured nomination process. Lawyers advising political aspirants or parties in South Sudan need to be aware of the SPLM's internal nomination process, including deadlines and distribution methods for forms, to ensure their clients meet eligibility requirements for the 2026 general elections. Compliance officers involved in election monitoring or support should track these party-specific procedures to understand the operational framework for candidate selection, particularly given the significance of the SPLM general elections 2026 preparations.

Lawyers advising political aspirants or parties in South Sudan need to be aware of the SPLM's internal nomination process, including deadlines and distribution methods for forms, to ensure their clients meet eligibility requirements for the 2026 general elections. Compliance officers involved in election monitoring or support should track these party-specific procedures to understand the operational framework for candidate selection.

Source: Original reporting via local media