A coalition of political parties in South Sudan has signed a declaration pledging to promote peaceful political competition, respect the rule of law and reject violence ahead of general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
The National Alliance of Political Parties, a grouping under the Other Political Parties (OPP), signed the declaration over the week-end alongside other political parties and Civil society organizations.
The agreement commits signatories to encouraging political dialogue, rejecting hate speech and violence, and supporting a peaceful environment for citizens to participate in the electoral process. Chairperson of the National Alliance of Political Parties, Kornelio Kon Ngu, urged political leaders to embrace democracy and peaceful competition as the basis for credible elections.
OPP Secretary-General Albino Akol Atak described the declaration as a significant step towards free, fair and credible elections, stressing that both electoral institutions and citizens have roles to play in ensuring a successful vote.
Other political leaders, including Mayen Jeremiah of the South Sudan Generation Party and Taban Luka of the National Agenda Political Party, reaffirmed their commitment to non-violence and called for the transition period not to be extended again.
The December 22, 2026 elections would be South Sudan’s first general elections since independence in 2011. However, concerns remain over the country’s preparedness, with key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, including the unification of forces, permanent constitution-making process and electoral preparations, yet to be completed.