By Sabri Dibaco
A civil society activist has called for an inclusive inter-party dialogue to build political consensus ahead of South Sudan’s planned elections.
The Executive Director for Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, expressed that inclusive dialogue is necessary for peaceful elections.
The dialogue is scheduled to begin on September 17, bringing together political parties to the peace agreement and other stakeholders to discuss key electoral and political issues.
Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), made the call in a statement to Eye Radio on Thursday, following President Salva Kiir’s meeting with representatives of political parties on Wednesday.
He said the dialogue should be free from preconditions and ensure that no political group or community is excluded from the process.
“The inter-party dialogue should focus on building a political consensus that leaves no one behind,” Yakani said.
He also urged political leaders to ensure that South Sudanese citizens are given the opportunity to freely participate in elections and choose their leaders and representatives.
Among the issues expected to be discussed are political space for campaigning, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, as well as other concerns surrounding the electoral process.
The dialogue is also expected to address post-election issues requiring national consensus, to preserve peace, to strengthen political legitimacy, and to support continuity in South Sudan’s state-building process.
Yakani’s call comes as political parties and other stakeholders prepare for renewed discussions on the country’s transition and preparations for elections.
This call came as a result of the proposed extension of the desolation of the current government ahead of the upcoming December election.