By Yiep Joseph
Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) has opened its door for parties interesting in alliance for political collaboration as vital force for 2026 election.
SPLM Secretary General and First Deputy Chairperson of SPLM party, reported share his party’s desire for political alliance in a meeting with Federal Democratic Party (FDP) leaders.
Details of the closed-door meeting between leadership of the Federal Democratic Party on Tuesday met James Wani Igga, were extended to the media, in a press statement.
The statement revealed that the meeting between the two parties cut across many issues including the need for political alliance in the upcoming election.
“The delegation’s visit was to brief the SPLM 1st Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General, Prof. Igga, on issues related to the Coalition Agreement between the SPLM and the FDP political parties,” the statement partly read.
However, in his address to the media after the meeting, Gatkuoth Hothnyang, the chairperson of the federal Democratic Party (FDP) expressed the important of political alliance during election.
He emphasized on the important of political alliance in the quest for democracy, adding that such cooperation is aimed at securing peace in the country, a step to successful election.
“The survival of all political parties relies on democratic political alliances, and the FDP is not exceptional, keen to build a political coalition with the SPLM and work together to ensure the advancement of peace, security, and economic stability,” Hothnyang said.
He urged the parties to embark on political compromises with hope to pave way for understanding.
Hothnyang appealed to the Citizens and public in general to join hands together toward getting lasting peace in the country.
He reiterated his party commitment toward building peace in the country adding that peaceful co-existence of people of South Sudan among themselves and with neighbours remain an agenda of which FDP is inclusive.
The unity government is expected to end the persisting transitional period in the 2026 election, but there are concerns about the critical tasks that need to be in place for conducting, fair, free, and credible election.
Meanwhile, on separate note, Edmund Yakani, civil society activist and executive director of Community Empowerment for Progress (CEPO), called on parties to commit to implement peace agreement.
With South Sudan heading toward the 2026 elections, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), sees the elections as a vital milestone for the nation’s long-term stability.
Edmund Yakini emphasized that the election process must empower citizens and give them a real voice in shaping their future.
“We will have to ensure our people have the right to vote. And once they vote, their votes must be counted and respected, without any intimidation, any harassment, or any threat,” Yakani told this publication in an interview on Thursday.
For the elections to proceed, essential components of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, including security arrangements, a permanent constitution, and a population census, need to be finalized.
Unfortunately, none of these have been completed.
While hopeful, Yakani warned that any delays or failures in political leadership could lead to disastrous consequences.
“If there’s a delay in political leadership, that’s going to be problematic. If we miss these 2026 elections, the country may break into pieces,” he expressed.
Also, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), an advocacy organization, urged the parties involved in the 2018 peace agreement to demonstrate realistic metrics for implementing the peace deal.
CPA observed a lack of commitment and political will, as well as an absence of a genuine approach to achieving the objectives of the two-year extension.
“The authentic implementation of the agreement is essential to restoring hope and confidence among citizens who have lost faith in the current Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU),” it stated.