The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Alliance on the Electoral Processes in South Sudan has called for an inclusive, transparent, and people-centered inter-party dialogue ahead of the country's planned December 22 general elections. This call comes as the Inter-Party Political Dialogue is set to begin on September 24 at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly premises in Juba. The Alliance has welcomed the planned dialogue, seeing it as an opportunity for political parties and stakeholders to address outstanding political and electoral issues.
In a statement issued on September 23, the Alliance emphasized that the outcome of the discussions should help reduce political tensions, build confidence, and contribute to conditions for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. The civil society coalition identified key issues requiring attention, including political participation, electoral preparedness, security, civic and political space, access to information, and public confidence. These issues are crucial as South Sudan prepares for the planned general elections.
The National Elections Commission has identified December 22, 2026, as the date for the elections and has continued preparations, including training State High Elections Committees on voter registration. The CSOs Alliance considers the dialogue an important opportunity for political parties and other relevant stakeholders to engage constructively on outstanding issues. This engagement is critical for creating an environment conducive to peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
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. They emphasized the need for participants to refrain from hate speech, incitement, intimidation, threats, inflammatory rhetoric, and actions that could contribute to political or communal tensions. The Inter-Party Dialogue should be conducted in a manner that responds to citizens' concerns and strengthens public trust.
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. Meaningful participation by political parties and actors with differing views on the electoral and political process is also crucial. Participants should be able to freely express their positions, raise concerns, challenge proposals, and seek areas of consensus without intimidation or exclusion.
The CSOs Alliance emphasized that the dialogue comes at a critical moment for South Sudan, as the country prepares for its general elections. The Alliance's call for an inclusive and people-centered dialogue reflects the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the country's political and electoral challenges. By engaging in constructive dialogue, political parties and stakeholders can work towards creating a conducive environment for peaceful and credible elections.
Ultimately, the success of the Inter-Party Political Dialogue will depend on the commitment of all participants to prioritize the national interest, peace, and democratic participation. The CSOs Alliance's recommendations for the dialogue process provide a framework for constructive engagement and meaningful participation. By following these guidelines, the dialogue can contribute to a peaceful and credible electoral process in South Sudan.
Key points
- The Civil Society Organizations Alliance in South Sudan calls for an inclusive, transparent, and people-centered inter-party dialogue ahead of the December 22 general elections.
- The National Elections Commission has identified December 22, 2026, as the date for the elections and is preparing for voter registration.
- The dialogue should produce clear, specific, and measurable commitments to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
