President Kiir Sets Four-Point Roadmap for December Elections

By Awan Achiek

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has outlined a four-point roadmap guiding South Sudan toward general elections scheduled for December 22. His announcement came as political parties and stakeholders began a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba on Thursday.

The four tracks—legal, administrative and logistical preparations, security, and political dialogue—aim to maintain the electoral timetable and build consensus among political actors ahead of the polls.

The Inter-Party Political Dialogue, held at the National Legislative Assembly in Juba, is themed “Towards Peaceful, Inclusive, Transparent, and Credible Elections.”

It brings together political parties and stakeholders to discuss measures supporting a peaceful and credible electoral process.

Speaking at the launch, Kiir reiterated that the electoral process is advancing through these four tracks: legal, administrative and logistical, security, and political dialogue.

According to the president, the first track—the basic and legal framework—has already been achieved.

“The journey towards the general election consists of four critical roadmaps. One, the basic and legal roadmap, which has now been achieved. Two, the second is the administrative and logistics roadmap, which is also progressing well. Three, the security roadmap, which is also progressing well. Four, the fourth is this dialogue on election-related matters,” Kiir said.

President Kiir warned political parties against using the dialogue to alter or delay the country’s established path toward general elections.

“This inter-party dialogue is not a place for negotiations and disagreement,” Kiir stated.

“Today, we have gathered here to launch a dialogue on election-related matters. It is not a place to shift the direction of the path that we have taken. It is not a place to hold us back. Instead, its main purpose is for all of us to agree on a path to a peaceful and reasonable result.”

He emphasized that the dialogue should focus strictly on election-related matters and not become a platform for renegotiating the electoral process.

“This inter-party dialogue must focus its value on election-related matters. It is an opportunity for all of us to create a clear roadmap for concluding the election. However, we must not contradict what the election laws have put in place.”

Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Rapporteur of the Inter-Party Dialogue, expressed confidence that the inclusive engagement among political parties and stakeholders would pave the way for the elections.

“Today was for maximum confidence in the advancement of your commitment to lead the country and the people who struggle for freedom and independence. You helped to lead towards the exercise of their democratic right to choose their own leaders through elections,” Lomuro said.