South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has initiated talks among political parties to discuss the conduct of elections in December, emphasizing the need to avoid further delays to the country's transition period. The talks, launched on Thursday, aim to produce a plan for a peaceful and credible vote. Kiir stated that all parties have agreed to avoid another extension and instead opt for a general election. This move is in line with the 2018 peace agreement that established the transition.
Kiir outlined four key areas of preparation for the elections: electoral laws, administration and logistics, security, and political dialogue. He noted that the legal roadmap has been achieved, and administrative and security preparations are progressing well. The fourth area focuses on this inter-party dialogue on election-related matters. However, Kiir stressed that any plan emerging from the talks must comply with existing law and not contradict what the election laws have put in place.
Earlier this week, Kiir signed amendments removing requirements to complete a permanent constitution and national census before the vote. He also dissolved the transitional government, steps intended to advance the long-delayed election. The timetable for the elections remains disputed, with opposition leader Riek Machar, who faces treason charges, warning that unresolved political disputes and fighting could make an election dangerous.
Machar, who has been suspended as first vice president, has raised concerns about the election preparations. Kiir's replacement of the National Elections Commission chair this month has also prompted questions about preparations less than three months before polling day. Despite these challenges, Kiir expressed gratitude to regional leaders for their support, including Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni.
Kiir urged South Sudanese religious leaders and civil society representatives taking part in the talks to remain within their mandate. He emphasized that the inter-party dialogue is not a place for negotiations and disagreements but rather a platform to agree on a path to a peaceful and credible election. The talks are expected to help produce a plan for a successful vote.
South Sudan has scheduled general elections for December 22, which would be the country's first since independence in 2011. The elections have been repeatedly postponed due to conflict and delays in implementing the peace agreement. Kiir's government has faced criticism for its handling of the election preparations, and the international community has expressed concerns about the country's readiness for the vote.
The outcome of the inter-party dialogue will be crucial in determining the success of the elections. Kiir's emphasis on adhering to existing law and avoiding further delays is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a peaceful and credible vote. However, the challenges facing the election preparations, including unresolved political disputes and security concerns, remain significant.
Key points
- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has launched inter-party dialogue to ensure peaceful and credible elections in December.
- The elections have been repeatedly postponed due to conflict and delays in implementing the peace agreement.
- The talks aim to produce a plan for a peaceful and credible vote, with a focus on election-related matters.
