By Lodu William Odiya
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has commended the government and people of South Sudan for participating in the ongoing inter-party dialogue aimed at advancing preparations for the December 22, 2026, general elections.
The commendation was made during a meeting in Juba on Tuesday between Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande Gedima and IGAD Special Envoy Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali.
According to a statement that was released by the presidential press unit yesterday, the two officials discussed progress in the electoral process and preparations for the upcoming elections, with the inter-party dialogue expected to conclude in the coming days.
“During the meeting, Minister Africano briefed the IGAD envoy on four key pathways guiding the government’s electoral preparations: the legal pathway; the administrative, logistical, and financial pathway; the security pathway; and the inter-party dialogue pathway,” the statement partly read.
The four areas form part of the preparations intended to support the conduct of elections and address the requirements of the electoral process.
Ambassador Djama Ali emphasised the importance of regional and international support in helping South Sudan deliver peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
His remarks highlighted IGAD’s continued engagement with South Sudan as political stakeholders work towards the planned polls.
Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador Arek Ajou Deng also commended IGAD for its continued support.
She noted that the regional organisation’s role is coordinating regional engagement and accompanying South Sudan through the electoral process.
“The ongoing inter-party dialogue is intended to strengthen political engagement among stakeholders and advance preparations for the elections,” it stated.
South Sudan’s electoral preparations involve legal, administrative, financial, and security considerations, alongside efforts to maintain communication among political parties.
The progress of the dialogue comes as the country works towards the December 22, 2026, election date, which is expected to mark an important step in its political transition.
IGAD’s commendation underscored the importance of cooperation among the government, political parties, and regional partners in supporting the electoral process.
However, the successful conduct of the elections will depend on continued preparations and efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible process.