South Sudan’s preparations for its December elections have received renewed regional backing, with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) commending the ongoing political dialogue while concerns remain over opposition participation.

On October 13, 2026, IGAD Special Envoy Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali met South Sudan’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Africano Mande Gedima, in Juba to discuss election preparations and progress in dialogue among political parties.

According to the presidency, discussions covered four areas guiding the electoral process: legal preparations, administrative and financial arrangements, security, and political dialogue.

IGAD stressed the importance of continued regional and international support to help South Sudan deliver peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

However, the dialogue faces a significant challenge. Reports indicate that the main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has stayed away from the talks, citing concerns about government decisions and the treatment of its detained leader, Riek Machar.

The planned December 22 election would be South Sudan’s first national general election since independence in 2011. Previous polls have been repeatedly postponed, and questions remain about security, political inclusion and the practical preparations needed for voting.

The key test will be whether political dialogue can produce broader participation and credible election arrangements before polling day. Regional support could help facilitate the process, but the extent of opposition engagement and the implementation of agreed safeguards will be crucial to public confidence.

With the election timetable approaching, developments in Juba are likely to remain central to South Sudan’s political future.