South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has launched an inter-party political dialogue in the capital, Juba, aimed at securing agreement on a path toward elections scheduled for 22 December — which would be the country's first national vote since it gained independence in 2011. The talks follow Kiir's dissolution of the transitional unity government on 22 September, a move that saw former First Vice President Riek Machar removed from power; groups aligned with Machar are among the major opposition factions that have rejected the government's approach to the process. Critics argue that holding credible elections within three months is unrealistic given persistent security concerns, restricted political space, and the absence of a permanent constitution, while Kiir has insisted the electoral roadmap will not be delayed or altered.