The Political Parties Council of South Sudan has announced that political parties seeking to register pre-election coalitions must do so by October 22. This deadline is in line with the 60-day statutory filing period before the scheduled national elections. All coalition applications, agreements, and required financial deposits must be submitted by 5 PM on October 22.
To register a pre-election coalition, political parties must meet certain criteria. Only parties holding a valid Certificate of Full Registration are eligible to form a coalition. Parties under provisional registration, including factions without full registration, will not be allowed to enter coalition agreements. Each participating party must also obtain authorization from its highest decision-making body.
The Political Parties Council has outlined the procedures for registering a pre-election coalition. Coalition agreements must clearly spell out coalition nomination rules and coalition election rules, as required under Section 10(4) of the Political Parties Act. The agreements must be signed by authorized party representatives and authenticated by an Advocate of the High Court of South Sudan or a Commissioner for Oaths.
Political parties must submit their applications to the PPC Secretariat in Juba, along with required documents. These include three original copies of the coalition agreement, certified copies of their authorizing resolutions, and original bank deposit slips showing payment of the required registration fee. The Registrar of the Political Parties Council will review each application within seven business days of receiving the complete documents.
Successful coalitions will be entered into the Official Coalition Register and issued certificates of registration. The Council will also notify the National Elections Commission to facilitate the formalization of joint electoral symbols. This process aims to ensure that coalitions are properly recognized and can participate in the upcoming national elections.
The order, titled the Order for the Regulation and Registration of Pre-Election Coalitions, 2026, takes immediate effect upon signature. PPC Chairperson James Akol Zakayo Dhiak emphasized that the directive aims to ensure transparency and compliance with the law. The Council's move is seen as a step towards ensuring that political parties operate within the legal framework.
The deadline for registering pre-election coalitions comes as South Sudan prepares for its national elections. The elections are scheduled to take place in December, and various political parties are expected to participate. The Political Parties Council's directive is aimed at ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Key points
- The Political Parties Council has set October 22 as the deadline for political parties to register pre-election coalitions.
- Only parties with a valid Certificate of Full Registration are eligible to form a coalition.
- The Council will review each application within seven business days of receiving complete documents.
