South Sudan’s political parties are due to hold an inter-party dialogue on 17 September as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December.
President Salva Kiir met leaders of various political parties on Wednesday ahead of the dialogue, which is expected to focus on the country’s electoral process and the political arrangements needed before and after the polls.
The president’s office said the meeting is part of efforts to build consensus among political groups and address outstanding issues that could affect the conduct and credibility of the elections.
It further said the dialogue is expected to bring together parties and political groups from across the spectrum, including those outside the 2018 peace agreement.
But some of the country’s main opposition groups have rejected the proposed dialogue in Juba.
During separate consultations with an African Union delegation known as the C5 last month, the United People’s Alliance (UPA), led by Pagan Amum, and the SPLM-IO delegation led by acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino called for an inclusive political dialogue to be held outside South Sudan in a neutral venue.
It remains unclear whether the UPA or the SPLM-IO have been formally invited to participate in the Sept. 17 dialogue in Juba.
Among the issues expected to be discussed are constituency boundaries and political representation, independent candidates, the timing and sequencing of elections at different levels, and election and campaign financing, according the president’s office.
The parties are also expected to discuss security arrangements for candidates, political rallies and polling centres, as well as the movement and protection of election materials and the transmission of results.
Other issues include the political space available for campaigning, including freedom of assembly, movement and expression, and whether voter registration, voting, counting and results transmission will use digital or manual systems.
Access for domestic and international election observers is also expected to feature in the discussions, alongside mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes and handling complaints.
The parties are further expected to consider a political code of conduct committing them to non-violence, lawful political engagement and peaceful competition.
Presidential Adviser on National Security Tut Gatluak Manime said the dialogue would go beyond preparations for the elections and provide an opportunity for political leaders to address wider issues of peace, security and national stability.
South Sudan has faced repeated delays in implementing its peace agreement, while political disagreements and insecurity continue to raise questions about the country’s readiness for the December polls.
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