14 Political Parties Rejects $50,000 Fee Imposed by the PPC
Today, a significant development unfolded in the political landscape of South Sudan as 14 political parties united in their rejection of the $50,000 fee imposed by the Political Parties Council (PPC). In a show of solidarity and defiance, 7 parties representing the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP), 5 parties from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), and 2 standalone parties came together to deliver a petition directly to the Chairman of the PPC. This collective action underscores the deep-seated concerns and frustrations shared by a diverse range of political entities regarding the financial barrier imposed by the PPC, which has been deemed prohibitive and exclusionary.
The petition, signed by representatives of the 14 political parties, articulates a clear and resolute stance against what they perceive as a discriminatory and unjust fee structure that hinders the participation of smaller parties in the political process. The parties emphasized the importance of fostering a democratic and inclusive environment that allows for the equal representation and participation of all political actors, regardless of their financial capacity. This united front against the PPC’s fee requirement signals a growing determination among opposition parties to challenge and resist any measures that threaten the integrity and fairness of the political landscape in South Sudan
“We, the leaders of political parties seeking to register with the PPC in South Sudan, are writing to express our strong rejection of the recent fee increase for provisional registration. We are deeply concerned about the sudden and significant rise from SSP 20,000 to $50,000 for a provisional license imposed by the current leadership of the PPC.”
The petition read out by Dr. Gai Chol Paul, the Chairman of the People’s United Forum (PUF) and also the Chairman of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP), eloquently articulated the collective position of these parties. The petition presented demanded that the PPC reconsider their fee structure and reduce it to a more reasonable SSP 20,000. The call to revert the fee to SSP 20,000 is not merely a request for a reduction in costs but a reaffirmation of the fundamental belief that political engagement should be open to all voices, regardless of financial means.
“We are calling on the PPC to reconsider this decision and revert the fee to its original amount of SSP 20,000. This was the official registration fee prior to the appointment of the new leadership. We urge you to prioritize the advancement of democracy and the promotion of a diverse and inclusive political landscape in South Sudan.”
The Chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), Dr. Lam Akol, who is also the Secretary General of SSOA, said that there is no legal basis for the PPC to impose the exorbitant fee of $50,000 for a provisional license because the majority of the South Sudanese political parties cannot afford that amount.
The petition criticizes the PPC for failing to establish clear regulations and guidelines as the Political Parties Act 2012 (amended 2022), leaving political parties in a state of uncertainty and confusion. The lack of transparency and accountability in this matter has raised serious doubts about the intentions and motivations behind the fee, leading to a united front of opposition from the political parties in South Sudan. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the PPC will respond to the growing dissent and demands for greater clarity and fairness in its decision-making processes.
“We also call for the immediate publication of the regulations demanded by the Political Parties Act after validation by the political parties.”
The political parties’ leaders have emphasized that the fee increase not only undermines the principles of democracy but also runs counter to the fundamental values of inclusivity and civic engagement. They have condemned the move as a regressive step that threatens to erode the very foundation of a democratic society, where the diversity of voices and perspectives should be encouraged and supported. The rejection of this fee serves as a unified stance against attempts to restrict political participation and disenfranchise citizens.
“We strongly believe that the recent fee increase was designed to undermine democracy and restrict the participation of citizens in the political process. As leaders of political parties, we stand united in our rejection of this unjust and unreasonable fee.”
When questioned about the potential course of action in the event that the PPC does not address the demands outlined in the petition, Dr. Lam emphasized the presence of numerous options available for consideration by the political parties. He indicated that the leaders are prepared to explore various strategies and measures to ensure that their concerns are acknowledged and addressed. Dr. Lam’s statement underscores the determination and unity among the 14 political parties in their collective stance against the $50,000 fee imposed by the PPC.
