The Political Parties Council (PPC) has initiated the registration process for political parties, unveiling a comprehensive overhaul plan in preparation for the December 2024 polls.

James Akol Zakayo, the Chairperson of the Political Parties Council, made this announcement during a press conference in Juba on Tuesday. According to Akol, the full registration of unregistered political parties commences on January 23.

He stated, “I, James Akol Zakayo Dhiak, Chairperson of the Political Parties Council, do hereby announce the beginning of provisional and full registration of unregistered political parties in the country; this order shall come into force on 23rd January 2024.”

The PPC Chairperson emphasized that only political parties with a minimum of 500 members per state or administrative area would be eligible for registration.

Akol outlined key requirements for political parties seeking registration, emphasizing the need for diverse representation.

“Each party that aspires to register must draw its members from two-thirds of ten states and three administrative areas. So, we need to make sure that your members are not from one state. you need to have representations in all ten states, and your party must reflect the citizens of South Sudan. It shouldn’t be a tribal party; it must be a party that captures all tribes in South Sudan,” he said.

He advised political parties to adhere to the registration requirements, which will be open until June 2024. He urged compliance, assuring that institutions are in place to monitor the registration process.

“So, we encourage all the parties to comply with all that. We have institutions in place to make sure that we follow those ones that are supposed to be done in the registration. We will visit the state and we will go to those administrative areas to confirm the presence of those who are applying for registration,” he explained.

As per the Political Party Act, section 8, sub-section 6-7, 14 political parties have already been registered. The Political Parties Council plays a crucial role in registering political parties and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in South Sudan.

South Sudan is expected to conduct its first-ever general elections in December this year.

REPORT: Radio Tamazuj