Hopes dim for unregistered parties in South Sudan elections

JUBA – The Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by Dr. Riek Machar, along with other unregistered political parties, faces a setback regarding participation in the 2024 general elections.

The Political Parties Council (PPC) issued Order No. 05/2024, setting a June 30 deadline for parties wishing to contest in the December elections.

PPC Chair, Eng. James Akol, referenced the Political Parties Act, 2012, stating that registration continues, but parties must meet the deadline to participate.

“The Political Parties Council issues NOTICE that the registration of political parties shall be an ongoing process,” Akol stated.

“However, for those entities aspiring to be registered as political parties for purposes of the 2024 general election, you are notified that the cut-off date for registrations is 30th June 2024,” he added.

Efforts to reach Regina Joseph, Secretary-General of the SPLM/A-IO, were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.

Puok Bualang, the Press Secretary in the office of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, has not also commented on the matter.

Previously, the PPC affirmed that registration has no fixed deadline, but parties must be registered 180 days before the elections. Currently, twenty-seven political parties are registered in South Sudan, with thirteen completing registrations recently.

The PPC has maintained a controversial registration fee of $50,000, despite objections from the Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs, Ruben Madol.