South Sudan’s main opposition group, SPLM-IO, has started registering its members in the Jonglei State capital, Bor.
The SPLM-IO state secretary-general, Michael Bol, told Radio Tamazuj Monday that they are registering members to prepare for elections.
“Weeks ago, we launched a secretariat and now we are registering our old members and welcoming new members,” Bol said. “This is necessary because we are transitioning from an armed movement to register as a political party and to prepare us for elections.”
Bol urged Jonglei citizens to exercise their constitutional rights by joining political groups, pointing out that turnout has been high since the registration process started two weeks ago.
“We are registering members from all 9 counties. The process is going on well except for financial challenges,” He said. “So, we call on our citizens to register with any party of their choice as it is their right and for us in SPLM-IO, we welcome every citizen.”
For his part, Ter Manyang, the executive director of the civil society organization, Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), lauded SPLM-IO’s move, calling it a gesture of hope.
“It is a good move that will give citizens hope that warring parties are championing participation of citizens in political parties,” he said. “We call on all other parties to do the same, however, there is a concern of shrinking civic space in the country.”
Meanwhile, Hoth Rambang, a youth leader at the Bor IDP camp, said they had been waiting for the registration process and that their situation is improving.
“As citizens, this what we were waiting for not only because SPLM-IO launched an office in Bor,” he said. “We have been observing changes and we can now move out (of the IDP camp) and interact freely without any problem.”