Kiir to restructure ruling SPLM faction in preparation for 2024 elections

JUBA, January 5^th 2023 (Sudans Post) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit who doubles as the chairman of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) faction is currently restructuring the group to prepare for general elections slated for December 2024, according to a senior party member.

Kiir on Wednesday met deputy secretary-general of the SPLM Akol Paul Kordit to discuss issues facing the party and ways to start the reorganization process of the group ahead of the general elections in which Kiir is expected to face his first deputy and chair of the SPLM-IO Dr. Riek Machar.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday held a meeting with the Deputy Secretary General of SPLM party, Akol Paul Koordit to discuss problems hindering the party and plans to reorganize and structure the party in preparation for the upcoming general elections,” Kiir’s office said in a statement yesterday.

In statements to the media following the meeting, Akol said the ruling faction of the SPLM party is undergoing reforms in form of structuring and reorganization of its leadership to prepare for general elections and to provide service to the people of South Sudan.

“The party is undertaking activities to reorganize and structure the party as well as delivering basic services to the citizens both at the local and national level,” he said.

South Sudan’s transitional period ends next month, but a new peace roadmap agreed upon by Kiir and Machar’s groups extended the transitional period through February 2025 with general elections being expected to be conducted in December 2024.

The extension has been locally and internationally criticized as parties remain adamant to the full implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, skipping crucial provisions provided for in the 2018 peace deal.