South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit has cautioned political parties against using an ongoing inter-party dialogue to change or delay the country's path towards elections. The warning comes two days after Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and appointed a caretaker administration, three months before the scheduled elections. Kiir emphasized that the dialogue should focus on election-related issues and not become a platform for renegotiating the direction of the electoral process.
The two-week Inter-Party Political Dialogue, launched at the National Legislative Assembly in Juba, aims to promote peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and credible elections. Kiir stated that preparations for the elections are based on four key areas: the legal framework, administration and logistics, security, and dialogue on election-related matters. He stressed that the dialogue should help establish a clear roadmap for completing the electoral process while remaining within the framework of existing election laws.
Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, the rapporteur of the Inter-Party Dialogue, said the forum provides a platform for South Sudanese political parties and stakeholders to engage with one another, address strategic issues, and build consensus on measures needed to hold the elections. The dialogue is being attended by representatives of several political parties in Juba, along with civil society groups, and regional and international figures, including representatives of the Community of Sant’Egidio.
However, representatives of major opposition groups did not attend the event. Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit, chairperson of the National Patriotic Movement (NPM), expected the dialogue to address security arrangements for candidates and voters ahead of the elections. He emphasized the need for political parties to agree on security mechanisms for all candidates participating in the elections, citing the country's security situation.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), highlighted the need for the dialogue to address restrictions on civic and political space, the status of political detainees, and the wider security situation. He suggested that the release of political detainees and an agreement on how to stop the war and go back to ceasefire sustainability would be positive outcomes from the dialogue.
The Inter-Party Political Dialogue is taking place as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December 22. Kiir thanked political party leaders for supporting preparations for the elections and emphasized that the dialogue should focus on election-related matters. The event aims to build consensus on measures needed to hold peaceful, democratic, and credible elections.
The outcome of the dialogue will be crucial in determining the success of the electoral process in South Sudan. The country's progress towards elections has been closely watched by regional and international observers. The dialogue's ability to address key issues and build consensus among political parties will be essential in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Key points
- President Salva Kiir warns against using inter-party dialogue to delay or alter the country's path towards elections.
- The Inter-Party Political Dialogue aims to promote peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and credible elections in South Sudan.
- The dialogue is taking place as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December 22.
