Political parties expect SSP1.5 billion boost for pre-election activities

JUBA – Registered political parties in South Sudan anticipate a significant financial injection of 1.5 billion South Sudanese pounds to support their activities preceding the 2024 polls.

According to Eng. James Akol Zakayo, Chair of the Political Parties Council (PPC), this allocation, mandated by the Political Parties Act of 2012 (amended), section 34 and 35 – (1) (a) and (b), will be distributed among fourteen eligible parties.

“The Political Parties Council (PPC) hereby announces the allocation of obligatory funds to all eligible political parties in the Republic of South Sudan,” Zakayo stated during a press briefing.

The PPC received approximately $5 million (equivalent to SSP 7.6 billion), and based on the distribution formula, each eligible political party is set to receive SSP 1.5 billion. Zakayo clarified, “The funding, totaling 5 million dollars, or roughly SSP 7.6 billion, is designated for pre-election activities.”

“We have resolved, through Order No.02/2024, to allocate SSP 1.5 billion to eligible parties,” Zakayo announced further.

Additionally, the PPC stressed that these funds must be allocated to directly or indirectly compensate party members or supporters, excluding staff. Zakayo cautioned against misusing the funds for purposes contrary to the promotion of multiparty democracy, electoral processes, or the constitution.

“The funds should not be used for establishing businesses, acquiring financial interests, or any other purpose incompatible with democratic promotion,” Zakayo emphasized. He underscored that the funds must adhere strictly to the provisions outlined in section 37 of the Political Parties Act, 2012 (amended).

Zakayo warned that parties failing to comply with these provisions would be disqualified from accessing the Political Parties Fund (PPF) during periods of non-compliance.

In the PPC’s database, Zakayo disclosed that only fourteen parties are currently registered, while 21 others have applied but are yet to complete registration procedures.

Earlier this year, Zakayo urged the government to release $13.5 million from the Political Parties Fund before the mandate’s expiration in June. This funding, he noted, includes provisions for expanding the PPC’s operations to states and administrative areas.

At the beginning of the year, the Political Parties Council announced the registration of political parties for the upcoming December elections, stipulating certain conditions for eligibility.

These conditions include ensuring regional and ethnic diversity, gender balance, and representation of special interest groups within the party.

“The body should include at least one member from each state, with at least 35% of its members being women,” the council stated. It also clarified that provisionally registered parties must obtain full registration before participating in any elections.