By Louis Loku
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretariat in Central Equatoria State has officially launched its membership registration exercise.
The move is aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and mobilising supporters ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
The launch, held in Juba, brought together senior SPLM leaders, state officials, party members, and supporters, who described the registration exercise as a critical step toward building a stronger and more organised party.
Addressing the gathering, the SPLM First Deputy Chairperson and Vice President of South Sudan, H.E. Cde. Prof. James Wani Igga urged members to embrace unity and teamwork, saying the party’s success depends on collective effort.
Drawing an analogy with football, Igga said every member has a different role to play but must work together toward achieving the party’s common objectives.
He also underscored the importance of involving women and young people in the party beyond election campaigns, urging that they be fully represented in decision-making processes.
“The participation of youth and women is essential for the growth of the party. They should not only be mobilised during campaigns but should also be part of leadership and decision-making,” he said, while encouraging all SPLM members to register and exercise their democratic rights within the party.
The SPLM Second Deputy Chairperson, Cde. Mary Apayi described the registration exercise as more than a membership count, saying it would establish an accurate database of party members and facilitate the issuance of official membership cards.
She said a credible register would strengthen the party’s internal organisation and improve planning for future political activities.
Central Equatoria State Governor and SPLM State Chairperson, Cde. Emmanuel Adil Anthony said the exercise is intended to determine the exact number of party members from the boma level through the counties up to the state leadership.
He called upon SPLM supporters, sympathisers, and members of the public who have not yet formally joined the party to register and become full members.
Adil also directed county SPLM chairpersons to make the registration process accessible by allowing members to contribute subscriptions using affordable and available resources.
He stressed that discipline remains fundamental to the party’s unity and long-term sustainability.
“We must remain united despite our differences. Differences in opinion should never create hatred or division among us. Internal dialogue should always be our way of resolving disagreements,” Adil said.
He further cautioned members against promoting personal interests or forming factions within the party, urging them instead to work together for the common goals of the SPLM.
The membership registration exercise is expected to be rolled out across all counties of Central Equatoria State following its official launch, as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the country’s December 2026 general elections.