(JUBA) – Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, leader of the National Democratic Movement, has criticised the Political Parties Council (PPC) for setting a $75,000 registration fee for political parties, calling the charge excessive and unprecedented in South Sudan and the wider region. He warned that the fee risks undermining political participation and democratic engagement ahead of national elections.
Dr. Akol said discussions with the PPC on the matter have stalled, but he insisted that such a high fee is inconsistent with regional and international norms.
“When you look at the region, even internationally, there is no country in which registration fees have exceeded 1,000 to 1,500 dollars,” he said.
He also questioned the requirement to pay the fee in US dollars, arguing that the rules of South Sudan do not allow government institutions to demand payments in foreign currency.
Beyond the registration fee issue, Dr. Akol called for renewed dialogue among signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to resolve outstanding disputes and prepare the country for the 2026 elections.
“All these can be resolved by the parties sitting down and discussing what the problem is,” he said. “This agreement is ours. It is us who signed it. We can change it if doing so serves the highest objectives for which we signed it in the first place.”
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Political Figure | Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, National Democratic Movement leader |
| Concern | $75,000 registration fee for political parties |
| Criticism | Excessive, unprecedented, undermines participation |
| Currency Issue | Fee required in US dollars, contrary to domestic rules |
| Peace Process | Calls for renewed dialogue under 2018 Peace Agreement |
| Election Context | Preparation for 2026 national elections |
