The National Parties Alliance (NPA) has rejected the proposal for general elections in December 2026. The alliance believes the nation is unprepared. Rushing to the polls could destabilize peace, rather than enhance democracy.
NPA Rejects 2026 Election Plans
The NPA, led by Chairman Joseph Nyieth, issued a strong statement on Monday. They state political, security, and legal conditions for credible elections are lacking. Their statement contradicts a recent meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The meeting included political party leaders who signed the 2018 Revitalized Agreement. This agreement, R-ARCSS, aimed to facilitate a democratic transition after years of conflict.
Initial Election Postponement
Elections were originally scheduled for December 2024 under the peace agreement. The government and signatories failed to implement key provisions, resulting in postponement.
These provisions included security sector reforms, force unification, and a new constitution. A national population census was also not conducted.
The NPA asserts that the reasons for the 2024 postponement remain unaddressed. Persisting political, economic, social, and security crises affect the country.
Conditions for Credible Elections
The NPA supports democratic elections, but they must be free, fair, peaceful, and inclusive. Elections must reflect the will of the South Sudanese people. They should not merely legitimize the current situation.
The alliance urges the government to halt the “rush to elections.” Instead, they suggest prioritizing national dialogue, reconciliation, and engagement with opposition parties.
These parties and armed movements operate outside the country.
NPA’s Non-Negotiable Preconditions
The NPA outlined necessary preconditions for credible elections. These include the safe return of refugees and displaced persons. Also critical is the restoration of political freedoms.
Political freedoms involve expression, assembly, and association. Implementation of inclusive national reconciliation is also essential.
The NPA demands a permanent constitution drafted with the participation of political parties and civil society. They also necessitate a unified national army to protect citizens. A nationwide census to ensure fair electoral boundaries is also required.
Risks of Premature Elections
“The repeated postponement of elections is a clear indication that the foundations for a democratic transition remain absent,” the statement declared.
Holding elections in December 2026 without addressing these issues could destabilize the country. Renewed political instability and insecurity might occur. This could undermine the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
The NPA is a group of marginalized opposition parties. They operate outside the R-ARCSS framework and lack full representation in the transitional government.
