By Hou Akot Hou
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has begun registering its members in Aweil East County ahead of the planned national elections.
During the official launch of the registration exercise at the Aweil East County headquarters in Mabil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
On Wednesday, the newly appointed County Commissioner, Mr. Mawein Mawein Kuol, urged SPLM leaders and supporters to work hard to consolidate the party’s base by welcoming more people into its ranks.
Kuol commended the turnout during the registration exercise, saying it is required under the party’s regulations to have all members formally enlisted.
He said the registration would also enable the party to verify the membership of individuals who may seek to contest for political positions through their respective bomas and payams before assessing their loyalty and other requirements.
“It is time for everyone to get enlisted, and it has to go down deep to our people in the bomas and payams so that we know our members,” he said.
Kuol urged party officials to reach people in far-flung areas to ensure that all eligible members are registered as the country prepares for elections.
The registration exercise is being extended across the payams of Aweil East County, including Baac, Malual-Baai, Madhol, Mangok, Wunlang, and Yargot.
Meanwhile, the State SPLM Secretary, Mr. Kharbino Thiep Tong, explained the criteria for registration, instructing registrars to register people who meet the required age threshold.
“Deal with those who are above 17 years old, and the party will need little payment from previous political office holders and other high-ranking officials, and not directly from newly enlisted people,” Tong said.
Tong said other attributes expected of party members include trust, honesty, and adherence to the principles and norms of the SPLM.
However, the registration exercise comes amid political controversy and internal divisions within the SPLM in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Disagreements have emerged between State Secretary Kharbino Thiep Tong and some party members who question his suitability to lead the party as secretary.
Tong was reportedly attacked at his residence in Aweil two weeks ago and later barred from accessing his office amid allegations that he was not a member of the 51-member SPLM Liberation Council, but instead served at the county level in Aweil East County.
The allegations and the incident in which Tong was prevented from accessing his office led to the arrest of six party members. They were later released on bail, although tensions within the party reportedly remain high.
It remains to be seen how the internal disagreements within the ruling party in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State will affect its efforts to recruit new members and consolidate its political base ahead of the elections.