South Sudan approves elections code of conduct for party registration

JUBA – South Sudan Political Parties Council (PPC) on Tuesday approved an Elections Code of Conduct to guide the upcoming political party registration process, marking a key step in preparations for the next phase of the electoral cycle.

The elections code of conduct aimed at regulating the behavior of political actors, ensuring compliance with electoral rules, and promoting transparency throughout the registration exercise.

The decision was reached during its plenary session held in Juba on Tuesday.

James Akol Zakayo, Chairperson of the Political Parties Council, said the Elections Code of Conduct will serve as a guiding framework for political parties.

“The Political Parties Council is pleased to announce to the public, political stakeholders, and members of the media that during its plenary session held today, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the council successfully reviewed, passed, and officially endorsed the Elections Code of Conduct for all registered political parties,” Akol said in a press statement seen by on Tuesday.

He said the code of conduct is a foundational instrument to regulate all the activities and ethics of political organizations in the country.

“Furthermore, to ensure effective decentralized operations and strict regulatory compliance across the country, the Council has formally approved appointment and deployment of state and administrative area coordinators and inspectors,” he said.

He said the code also establishes rules of engagement that prioritize democratic integrity, mutual respect, peaceful campaigning, and gender diversity while outlawing intimidation, hate speech, and use of weapons.

“The finalization of these regulatory measures directly implements the Political Parties Act, 12, amended in 2022, positioning the country to meet critical institutional milestones ahead of the upcoming democratic polls.”

Akol reminded all unregistered political parties that the strict registration deadline remains 30 June 2026.

“Parties failing to fully register and align with the newly endorsed code of conduct by this date will legally forfeit their eligibility to contest in the December 2026 general elections. The council expresses its gratitude to all political groups, civil society actors, and international partners, including the UNMISS, for their collaborative input and continuous support in shaping a credible democratic transition,” he said.

The new code, which was unanimously passed in the PPC’s sixth meeting on 13 August 2024, is part of the Council’s broader mandate to regulate political parties and set policies for elections.

Eng. Akol referenced specific provisions of the Political Parties Act, 2012, as amended in 2022, to underscore the legal basis for the code’s implementation.

sudanspost.com