South Sudan has opened an inter-party dialogue in Juba ahead of general elections scheduled for December 22.
President Salva Kiir opened the dialogue on Thursday, two days after dissolving the transitional unity government as the country moves towards its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011.
Kiir urged political parties and other stakeholders to focus the dialogue on election-related matters and work towards peaceful and credible polls.
“This Inter-Party Dialogue is not a place for negotiations and disagreements. Its main purpose is for all of us to agree on a path to peaceful and credible elections,” Kiir said.
The dialogue was taking place as the government pressed ahead with the December election timetable following amendments to the electoral law and the dissolution of the transitional government on September 22.
However, some opposition groups have rejected the government’s approach to the electoral process.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by former First Vice-President Riek Machar, rejected the planned December elections and the Juba-based inter-party dialogue, calling for an inclusive process at a neutral venue.
The opposition’s position has added to concerns over political consensus and preparations for the December vote, with questions also raised about the electoral framework and the country’s readiness for the polls.
The December 22 election would be South Sudan’s first national vote since independence in 2011, after previous elections were delayed during the country’s prolonged transitional period.
African News
