JUBA, South Sudan — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has intensified consultations with political leaders ahead of a crucial Inter-Party Dialogue scheduled for September 17, putting South Sudan’s electoral preparations and political settlement at the centre of national attention.

The dialogue is expected to bring together political parties and groups from across the political spectrum to discuss outstanding issues surrounding the country’s planned December 2026 elections.

Key issues expected on the agenda include constituency boundaries, political representation, independent candidates, election sequencing, campaign financing and security arrangements for candidates, rallies and polling centres.

Political leaders are also expected to discuss freedom of assembly, movement and expression, election-observer access and procedures for resolving electoral complaints and disputes. A political code of conduct promoting peaceful competition and non-violence is also expected to be considered.

The meeting comes at a critical moment for South Sudan, where political disagreements and delays in implementing the peace process have continued to shape preparations for the upcoming polls.

Some opposition groups have previously called for a broader political dialogue outside South Sudan under neutral facilitation, highlighting the challenge of achieving broad participation in the Juba-led process.

The September 17 meeting could therefore become an important test of whether South Sudan’s political forces can build consensus around the country’s electoral roadmap and reduce tensions ahead of the December polls.