Writer: Sabri Dibaco
Senior Presidential Envoy Adut Kiir has engaged the National Agenda Political Parties, a coalition of 12 registered political parties, as consultations continue over South Sudan’s political process and preparations for elections.
The meeting in Juba focused on the ongoing inter-party dialogue, political participation and the need for continued engagement among political parties as the country moves toward the planned electoral process.
During the consultation, the National Agenda Political Parties reaffirmed their support for the inter-party dialogue and the conduct of elections, emphasizing that broad political participation and continued dialogue are important to the country’s democratic process.
The coalition said political parties have an important role to play in ensuring that national political discussions remain inclusive and that different political views are accommodated in the process.
The parties also stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue as political actors engage on issues surrounding the transition and preparations for elections.
Adut Kiir, who has been engaging political stakeholders as part of her mandate, used the meeting to hear the views and concerns of the coalition and discuss the political environment ahead of the elections.
The engagement comes at a time when South Sudanese political parties and other stakeholders are intensifying consultations over the country’s political future. The electoral process has remained a major issue in national discussions, with political actors calling for greater participation, dialogue and preparations ahead of the polls.
The National Agenda Political Parties’ support for elections adds to ongoing political engagements involving government officials, political parties and other stakeholders on the way forward.
The coalition’s emphasis on inclusive engagement also reflects calls for political actors to use dialogue to address differences and build broader understanding around the electoral process.
The consultations are expected to contribute to continued discussions among political parties and other stakeholders as South Sudan prepares for the next stage of its political transition.
The meeting between the Senior Presidential Envoy and the National Agenda Political Parties is therefore part of broader efforts to keep political dialogue open and encourage participation by registered political parties in discussions concerning the country’s political and electoral future.