By Yiep Joseph
The Political Parties Council (PPC) has officially registered five political parties, including the IO Party.
In a press statement dated 30 June 2026, the Council announced the successful registration of the IO Party, formerly known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The other newly registered political parties are the National Democratic Movement (NDM), People’s Liberal Party (PLP), South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC), and the Revive South Sudan Party (RSSP).
According to the Council, the approval followed a comprehensive verification process conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Political Parties Act.
“Following an exhaustive verification process and in strict accordance with the provisions of the Political Parties Act, the Council has officially approved and endorsed the full registration of the following political entities, including the IO Party (formerly known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition/SPLM-IO),” the statement said.
The Council confirmed that it has formally recognised the transition of the SPLM-IO to its new legal identity, the IO Party, and recorded the change in the official register of political parties.
According to the PPC, the name change establishes the IO Party as a distinct legal entity eligible to participate in South Sudan’s upcoming general elections.
The registration comes at a politically significant time, as parties prepare for elections expected to mark South Sudan’s first national polls since independence in 2011.
Political parties are required to register with the Political Parties Council to operate legally and nominate candidates for elective office under the country’s electoral framework.
The registration also comes amid ongoing political reforms outlined in the peace agreement, including the reconstitution of electoral institutions, voter registration, and preparations for the country’s first democratic transfer of power through elections.
The Political Parties Council has been tasked with ensuring that political parties comply with legal requirements governing their registration and operations.
The announcement comes as political parties race to complete the registration process before the electoral timetable enters its next phase.