South Sudan’s inter-party dialogue on election-related matters has an important responsibility: to help the country move peacefully and credibly towards the December 2026 general elections.
The dialogue should therefore remain focused on its purpose and avoid becoming another source of political disagreement or delay.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit made it clear that the forum is not meant to renegotiate the direction already taken toward the elections but to help political actors agree on a peaceful and credible path.
The message is important because elections require cooperation among political parties, government institutions, the electoral body, security agencies, civil society, and citizens. If the dialogue loses focus, disagreements could consume valuable time that should instead be used to address practical electoral concerns.
South Sudan has already entered a critical stage of preparations. According to the president, the electoral journey consists of four key areas: the legal framework, administrative and logistical preparations, security, and dialogue on election-related matters.
The dialogue should therefore complement these preparations rather than create a parallel process that contradicts existing laws.
At the same time, keeping the dialogue on track does not mean preventing participants from raising genuine concerns. Political parties should have the opportunity to discuss issues affecting the credibility, inclusiveness, and peaceful conduct of the elections. Such discussions can be constructive when conducted respectfully and within the dialogue’s mandate.
Dialogue should not contradict what has already been established in election laws. This is particularly important because political uncertainty can undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
For the dialogue to succeed, participants need to approach it with responsibility and a commitment to peaceful political engagement. Differences of opinion are normal in any political process, but they should be addressed through discussion rather than confrontation.
The December elections are not only a government responsibility. Political parties, electoral institutions, civil society, religious leaders, and citizens all have roles to play in ensuring that the process remains peaceful and credible.
The inter-party dialogue must therefore remain on track. Its success should be measured by its ability to address election-related concerns, build understanding among political actors, and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment, not by how much it changes the direction of the electoral process.
South Sudan needs political dialogue that solves problems, builds confidence, and keeps the country moving towards elections.
God protect South Sudan.
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