JUBA — South Sudan is set to hold an inter-party dialogue on September 17 as political parties prepare to discuss the country’s electoral pathway and transitional political settlement ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with leaders of various political parties on Wednesday as preparations for the dialogue got underway.
The dialogue is expected to bring together political parties and groups from across the political spectrum, including those outside the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, to build consensus on key electoral and political issues.
Among the issues expected to be discussed are constituency boundaries and representation, independent candidacy, the timing and sequencing of elections, election financing and campaign funding, and security arrangements for candidates, rallies, polling centers, and election materials.
Political parties are also expected to deliberate on political freedoms during the campaign period, including freedom of assembly, movement, and speech, as well as voter registration, voting, counting, and results transmission systems.
The meeting is further expected to address access for domestic, regional, and international election observers and mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes and complaints.
Participants are also expected to consider a political code of conduct committing political parties to non-violence, lawful political engagement, and peaceful competition.
Presidential Advisor on National Security Tut Gatluak Manime said the dialogue would go beyond preparations for the elections and provide political leaders with an opportunity to address issues of peace, security, and national stability.
The government says the dialogue is intended to strengthen political understanding and create a conducive environment for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
The meeting comes as South Sudan continues preparations for the December 2026 polls, with political parties and other stakeholders calling for broader consultations to address outstanding political and electoral concerns.
The dialogue is expected to serve as a platform for political leaders to negotiate outstanding issues and seek common ground on matters that could affect the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections.
