PPC Sets October 22 Deadline for Pre-Election Coalitions Ahead of December Polls

By Jenifer James

The Political Parties Council (PPC) has set October 22, 2026, as the deadline for political parties in South Sudan to finalize and submit their pre-election coalitions for the general elections scheduled for December 22.

PPC Chairperson James Akol Zakayo Dhiak issued Order No. 6 of 2026 on Wednesday, which outlines the legal requirements for registering and verifying pre-election coalitions. These requirements are based on the Political Parties Act of 2012 (as amended in 2022) and the Political Parties Council Regulations of 2015 (as amended).

The order mandates that all political parties wishing to form coalitions must possess valid certificates of full registration. Provisionally registered political entities are not eligible to join pre-election coalitions.

Furthermore, coalitions must clearly define their internal nomination rules and election procedures. This ensures that participating parties agree on the selection of candidates and the conduct of elections within their coalitions.

According to Zakayo, each coalition must include an official resolution from the highest decision-making body of every member party, signed by its recognized party leader.

 Zakayo clarified that pre-election coalitions cannot be registered as separate corporate entities or under unique corporate names.

Zakayo warned that no new submissions or amendments would be accepted after the deadline.

“The final date for the submission, modification, and formal deposit of all pre-election coalitions is Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the close of business,” Zakayo stated.

Zakayo urged the leadership of all 25 registered constituent political parties to complete outstanding documentation, secure the required signatures, and submit their agreements to the Registry Department before the deadline.

This directive was issued pursuant to Section 10 of the Political Parties Act of 2012 (as amended in 2022), read together with Regulations 33, 34, and 35 of the Political Parties Council Regulations of 2015 (as amended).