Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, held discussions with the Minister of Peace Building and the interim president of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), Stephen Bar Kual, regarding key national priorities as the country prepares for the general elections scheduled for December 2026.
This was stated in a release from the Presidency of South Sudan on Friday, following a meeting between Kiir and Bar in the capital, Juba, which focused on the peace process, dialogue among parties, government unity, and the need to enhance coordination and unify government structures across the country.
The meeting also addressed the importance of maintaining cooperation and harmony within the revitalized transitional government for national unity, as the country moves towards elections and the next phase of political transition.
The consultations come at a time when the government continues its efforts to advance the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, enhance institutional coordination, and build consensus among political parties and stakeholders ahead of the December elections.
The discussions reflect ongoing consultations among unity government leaders regarding the political and institutional priorities facing the country as it prepares to conclude the transitional phase through elections.
Earlier this month, the parliament approved constitutional amendments that remove legal obstacles to conducting the general elections scheduled for December 22.
The amendments no longer require a population census or a new constitution to hold elections, whereas these conditions were previously considered mandatory for voting.
About two weeks ago, the United Nations Human Rights Committee warned that holding the anticipated national elections without the necessary political, security, and fundamental human rights guarantees, alongside the absence of genuine and inclusive political dialogue, could lead to renewed conflict and increased risks of crimes.
The committee outlined a set of essential conditions it deems necessary for conducting credible and violence-free elections, including a genuine cessation of hostilities subject to monitoring, unification of national security forces under non-partisan leadership, and restoration of civil and political space.
Additional conditions include the establishment of independent electoral institutions, effective and impartial mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes, and ensuring participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and refugees.
The committee also called for measures to prevent and address hate speech and incitement, and to ensure equal political participation for all parties, as these guarantees represent the foundation for transforming elections into a peaceful democratic process.
