South Sudan Opens Inter-Party Dialogue Ahead of December Elections

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has opened an inter-party political dialogue in the capital, Juba, as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22.

The dialogue began two days after Kiir dissolved the Transitional Government of National Unity and established a caretaker administration, marking a significant change in the country's political transition ahead of the planned vote.

The December election would be South Sudan's first national vote since the country gained independence in 2011. The government has maintained that the elections will proceed under the amended electoral framework.

Kiir insists election roadmap will continue

Opening the dialogue, Kiir said the discussions should help political parties and other stakeholders agree on a path towards peaceful, inclusive and credible elections.

However, he cautioned against using the dialogue to renegotiate or delay the existing electoral timetable.

Kiir said the electoral process is being guided by four areas: the legal framework, administrative and logistical preparations, security and political dialogue.

The government has also recently amended the National Elections Act, removing requirements that previously linked the elections to completion of a permanent constitution and a national census. The changes were presented as a way of clearing legal obstacles ahead of the December vote.

Opposition groups raise concerns

The dialogue is taking place amid significant political disagreement.

Representatives of major opposition groups, including the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) associated with former First Vice President Riek Machar, did not attend the opening.

Opposition representatives have questioned whether elections can be held under the current conditions, citing concerns over political participation, security and implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

Machar was removed from his position as First Vice President when Kiir dissolved the transitional administration on September 22. A caretaker government has since been established to oversee state functions during the election period.

Security and political space remain key issues

Participants and civil society representatives have identified security and political space as major issues that need to be addressed before the vote.

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization has called for discussions on civic and political freedoms, the status of political detainees and the broader security situation.

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Commission, which oversees implementation of the peace agreement, has also urged political parties to maintain their commitment to the agreement and work toward peaceful and credible elections.

December 22 election remains on the calendar

Despite the disagreements, the government continues to maintain that South Sudan is moving toward the December 22 election.

The dissolution of the transitional government followed the signing of amendments to the election law and was presented by Kiir's administration as part of the legal and political transition toward elected government.

With less than three months remaining before polling day, the inter-party dialogue is expected to remain a key forum for discussions over electoral preparations, security, political participation and the country's transition from the current caretaker arrangement to an elected government.