Dr Lam Akol Democratic Movement (NDM), is the leader of the National

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) says it is not possible to conduct free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections under the current circumstances.

In a public statement on inclusive dialogue and upcoming elections, dated August 7th, 2026, the party said insecurity remains widespread, there is no political consensus among the parties to the peace agreement, and institutions responsible for administering elections are inadequately prepared.

“The National Democratic Movement (NDM) party therefore maintains that it is not possible to conduct free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections under the current circumstances,” the statement reads.

The party said the absence of key reforms under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement continues to undermine preparations for elections.

According to the NDM, the agreement’s security sector reforms, constitution-making process, institutional reforms, judicial reforms, and creation of an enabling political environment were prerequisites before the country could proceed to the ballot box.

The party said extending the transitional period without meaningful reforms would only prolong the political stalemate and deepen the suffering of South Sudanese.

“The NDM therefore proposes an alternative path forward. It calls for an inclusive national dialogue,” the statement said.

The party called for a dialogue involving peace agreement signatories, non-signatory holdout groups, political parties, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, women’s organizations, youth representatives, and other relevant South Sudanese stakeholders. The statement was signed by NDM Chairman Dr. Lam Akol on August 7, 2026.

T