South Sudanese political parties, civil society organizations, and key national stakeholders have signed a landmark Declaration of Essential Principles, committing to reject political intimidation, hate speech, and election-related violence ahead of the scheduled December 2026 general elections. The signing ceremony, held on Friday, July 31, brought together leaders from the National Alliance of Political Parties, broader political entities, and civic groups seeking to secure a peaceful and stable environment as South Sudan approaches the conclusion of its transitional period. Addressing delegates at the event, Kornelio Kon Ngu, Chairperson of the National Alliance of Political Parties, called on political leaders to champion democratic norms and prioritize national unity over partisan conflict. “The upcoming elections represent a historic opportunity to consolidate peace, achieve unity, and complete the democratic transition.” “Political parties must know their role, the government institutions tasked with these exercises must know their roles, and the people of South Sudan must know theirs.