By Deng Machol
JUBA, South Sudan – The Political Parties Council (PPC) has announced June 30, 2026, as the final deadline for the registration of political parties intending to participate in South Sudan’s first General Elections, warning that applications submitted after the cutoff date will not be eligible for the polls.
In an official order issued on June 1, 2026, the council emphasized that while political party registration remains an ongoing administrative process, only parties that complete all registration requirements by the end of June will qualify to contest the landmark elections scheduled for later this year.
The directive was issued pursuant to Sections 4, 6, 7, and 8(6)-(7) of the Political Parties Act, 2012, as amended in 2022, as well as Chapter IV of the Political Parties Council Regulations, 2015, amended in 2024.
According to the PPC, the registration of political parties will continue beyond the election period as part of its regular administrative mandate. However, the council made it clear that eligibility to participate in the 2026 elections is contingent upon meeting the June 30 deadline.
“Any entity intending to register as a political party specifically to participate in the 2026 General Elections must complete its registration on or before the absolute deadline of June 30, 2026,” the council stated.
The PPC called on aspiring political parties and political movements to expedite the submission of their registration documents to avoid exclusion from the electoral process.
Under the requirements outlined by the council, applicants must submit completed registration forms, a certified copy of the party’s constitution and rules, a list of founding members supported by nationwide membership signatures, details of national and state-level office bearers, and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees.
The council further warned that applications filed after the deadline will not be considered for inclusion on the ballot for the 2026 elections, regardless of whether the registration process is subsequently completed.
Officials stressed that strict adherence to the timetable is essential to ensuring transparency, legal compliance, and adequate preparation for the country’s anticipated electoral process.
The announcement comes as South Sudan intensifies preparations for what is expected to be a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey. The PPC’s directive is aimed at providing clarity to political stakeholders while ensuring that electoral institutions have sufficient time to verify party credentials and complete the necessary administrative processes ahead of the polls.
For emerging political parties, the June 30 deadline now represents a critical milestone in securing a place on the ballot and participating in a vote widely viewed as a significant step in South Sudan’s political transition.
