Election Dispute Guide Launched at University of Juba

(JUBA) – A new reference guide on resolving election disputes was launched at the University of Juba on Tuesday, as South Sudan prepares for forthcoming elections.

The South Sudan Reference Guide on Election Dispute Resolution was unveiled during a ceremony at the university’s Senate Hall on 30 June 2026.

It was produced through a joint effort by the African Center for Legal Studies and Human Rights, the School of Law at the University of Juba, the South Sudan Bar Association, and the Vision Center for Legal Studies and Training.

The guide contains more than seven detailed sections. It sets out practical legal guidance on the constitutional, statutory, institutional and procedural framework for handling electoral disputes in the country. It also explains the roles of bodies that resolve such disputes and points to relevant legal principles and best practices.

Speakers at the launch said the guide will be a key reference for the National Elections Commission, the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, lawyers, political parties, civil society groups, election observers, academics, researchers and the public.

It is expected to help citizens understand the electoral process better, support the peaceful and lawful settlement of election disputes, and contribute to transparent, credible and democratic elections.

The partner institutions thanked the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, specifically its Rule of Law and Security Institutions Support office and the Integrated Electoral Assistance Team.

UNMISS provided technical and logistical help for the validation workshops that led to the final guide. The institutions said this partnership was vital in bringing the publication to completion.

The partner bodies restated their commitment to supporting democratic governance, constitutionalism and access to justice through legal research, public education and capacity building work.

They said they believe the reference guide will become an essential tool for legal practitioners, election administrators, policymakers and all others involved in South Sudan’s electoral process.

The launch was described as an important step for electoral justice in South Sudan.

The School of Business and Management stated in a press release that it shows the value of cooperation between academic institutions, professional bodies, civil society organisations and international partners in working towards free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.

In a separate development, the University of Juba administration has issued a notice to all first year students regarding semester one examinations for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Students who have not yet paid their fees must do so during the reading week and collect examination cards from their respective registrars.

The deadline for clearing fees is Saturday, 18 July 2026. The administration warned that any student who fails to pay by this date will be considered to have withdrawn from admission to the university.

No student will be allowed to enter the university campus without an examination card.