South Sudan President Salva Kiir has opened an inter-party dialogue in the capital, Juba, as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22.
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The talks began days after Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government, an action that removed former First Vice President Riek Machar from the government on September 22.
Kiir urges parties to support elections
Kiir said the dialogue should help political parties agree on a path towards peaceful and credible elections. He also warned that the process should not be used to delay or alter the existing electoral roadmap.
The government is preparing to hold the December vote, which would be South Sudan’s first national election since the country gained independence in 2011.
Opposition groups reject government approach
Major opposition groups, including those linked to Riek Machar, have rejected the government’s approach to the political process. The source report does not identify the groups individually or provide details of their objections beyond their rejection of the government’s position.
Machar was removed from the government when Kiir dissolved the transitional administration on September 22. The dissolution came shortly before the inter-party dialogue opened in Juba.
Questions over December timetable
Critics have questioned whether credible elections can be held in roughly three months. Their concerns include the security situation, the available political space and the absence of a permanent constitution.
The source report does not provide details about the participants or agenda of the dialogue. It also remains uncertain whether the scheduled elections can be conducted within the stated timeframe and meet the credibility standards cited by Kiir.
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