South Sudan’s transitional government announced on Wednesday that political parties must register by June 30 to contest in the national elections in December.

The Political Parties Council (PPC), which will oversee the elections, urged parties to submit paperwork before the deadline to avoid disqualification.

“While the general registration of political parties remains an ongoing process, the PPC has established June 30, 2026, as the final cut-off date for entities aiming to participate in the 2026 election,” it said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

According to the PPC, eligible parties must provide official registration forms, a certified copy of their constitution, nationwide membership signatures, a list of national and state office bearers, and proof of payment.

Since signing the 2015 peace deal, South Sudan has postponed elections at least three times to resolve the ongoing conflict.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report