JUBA — The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Alliance on the Electoral Processes in South Sudan on Wednesday called for an inclusive, transparent, and people-centered inter-party dialogue ahead of the country’s planned December 22 general elections.
The Inter-Party Political Dialogue is set to begin tomorrow, September 24, at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly premises in Juba.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Alliance welcomed the planned dialogue, saying it provides an opportunity for political parties and other stakeholders to address outstanding political and electoral issues.
“The CSOs Alliance on the Electoral Processes in South Sudan welcomes the initiative to convene the Inter-Party Political Dialogue for Peaceful and Democratic Elections, scheduled to take place in Juba on 24 September 2026,” read part of a statement extended to Sudans Post on Wednesday.
The civil society coalition said the outcome of the discussions should help reduce political tensions, build confidence, and contribute to conditions for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
“The Alliance considers the dialogue an important opportunity for political parties and other relevant stakeholders to engage constructively on outstanding political and electoral issues, reduce tensions, build confidence, and contribute to an environment conducive to peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.”
The group identified political participation, electoral preparedness, security, civic and political space, access to information and public confidence as some of the key issues requiring attention.
“With South Sudan preparing for the planned 22 December 2026 general elections, the dialogue comes at a critical moment,” the group said.
“The National Elections Commission has identified 22 December 2026 as the date for the elections and has continued preparations, including training State High Elections Committees on voter registration.”
The Alliance urged political parties, state institutions, and other participants to put the national interest, peace, democratic participation, and citizens’ rights at the center of the discussions.
“Political actors should refrain from hate speech, incitement, intimidation, threats, inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could contribute to political or communal tensions,” said the coalition.
“The Inter-Party Dialogue should therefore be conducted in a manner that responds to citizens’ concerns, strengthens public trust and demonstrates that political differences can be addressed through dialogue, democratic participation and peaceful means.”
It also called for meaningful participation by political parties and actors with differing views on the electoral and political process.
According to the Alliance, participants should be able to freely express their positions, raise concerns, challenge proposals, and seek areas of consensus without intimidation or exclusion.
The civil society groups further urged participants to ensure that the dialogue produces clear, specific, and measurable commitments, with responsibilities assigned to relevant actors and mechanisms established to monitor implementation.
