By Bosco Bush
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has questioned the credibility and neutrality of the Political Parties Council (PPC) and its chairperson in conducting the activities of the institution.
SPLM-IO is amongst the parties that have not met the June 30th deadline for political party registration announced by PPC.
In a press briefing Yesterday, Nathaniel Oyet Pierino, SPLM-IO deputy chairperson stated that his party is “concerned” about the untimely registration deadline announced by the chairperson of PPC.
Oyet raised a number of issues that he believed PPC did not take into consideration.
These include; the nullification of the imposed USD 75,000 registration fee by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Pronouncement of registration restrictions against parties with military wing by the PPC Chair, among other contentious points raised.
He argues the decision overlooks several critical factors in South Sudan’s transitional process.
Oyet mentioned the ongoing implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
He said the main signatories – the Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (ITGoNU), SPLM-IO, and SSOA – still maintain standing forces pending their unification.
“The registration of political parties by the PPC is not an isolated process, but rather a prerequisite for conducting peaceful, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, and credible elections as per the R-ARCSS,” he added.
“The actions of the Chairperson of PPC have made the members of the Council, the Political Parties and the general public lose confidence in his integrity, neutrality and ability to steer and work with the Political Parties in a multi-party political system in support of the conduct of peaceful, transparent, inclusive, free, fair and credible elections in the Republic of South Sudan,” Oyet stated.
The registration of political parties in South Sudan is one of the key prerequisites and elements as the country prepares for the general elections scheduled for December, as stipulated in the 2018 peace deal and the Road Map initiative.”