State SPLM Secretary Akileo Mboya Peter said the gathering marked the start of a renewed effort to strengthen party structures ahead of the elections. He said the party’s strength depends on an active membership base reaching communities across the state and thanked the SPLM national secretariat for supporting the exercise. Delegates gather for the launch of the SPLM membership registration at the close of a three-day party leadership summit in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State. Lobong also encouraged citizens to obtain SPLM membership cards, saying they would facilitate participation in party activities. However, under South Sudan’s electoral law, voter eligibility is determined by legal citizenship and voter registration requirements rather than political party membership.