United Nations Development Program (UNDP): South Sudan Electoral Support Project


The proposed project seeks to finance phase 1 of the electoral support in partnership with joint UNDP, UNMISS and the members of UN Country Team in South Sudan. The National Election Commission (NEC), RTGoNU and other relevant actors such as academia and civil society shall be key stakeholders in executing the project. The support will mark the transition from the R-ARCSS to South Sudan in which government and society are based upon a constitutional order and democratic legitimacy. 

Región/País Tema Período Presupuesto
Sudán del Sur
Governance
nothemedefined
Elecciones
Participación democrática y sociedad civil
Desarrollo de los servicios legales y judiciales
01.08.2023 - 31.12.2025
CHF  688’000
Contexto

The Republic of South Sudan gained independence on 9 July 2011. It has since suffered two civil wars, from December 2013 to November 2018. At present, the transitional period of the RARCSS, as amended by the Roadmap of 4 August 2022, is being implemented by the parties to the agreement until 22 February 2025. The agreement covers the making of a new constitution (chapters I and VI), the establishment of a functioning security sector (chapter II), the humanitarian and economic stabilization (chapters III and IV), the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms (chapter V) and last but not least, the holding of elections (chapter I). The aim of the agreement is to end the cycle of violence in which South Sudan has been engulfed and to build a strong enough foundation for the continued building of a national identity, functioning state and government structures and organs, allowing the country to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to lead its population out of poverty, to develop its economy and to prevent a relapse into violence and war at the national level.

South Sudan has never held elections since independence. In light of the dire security and humanitarian situation in the country, all above-mentioned processes, in particular the constitution making process, as well as the electoral process, need thorough preparation and support, so as for both processes to be as inclusive, fair and free as possible for them to be credible.

Objetivos Support the holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in the Republic of South Sudan, in accordance with the Roadmap extending the transitional period of R-ARCSS, to 22 February 2025, thereby allowing the Republic of South Sudan to end the transition from war to peace and to establish legislative and executive organs of the State through free, fair and inclusive elections.
Grupos destinarios The project targets the National Electoral Commission, all relevant government institutions of RTGoNU, as well as all of the voting population in South Sudan, and South Soudanese residing outside South Sudan. 
Efectos a medio plazo

Outcome 1: Prepare for the support and for the holding of elections according to the provisions of the R-ARCSS as amended by the Roadmap.

Outcome 2: Allow South Sudanese society to transition from war to peace and to end the R-ARCSS through the holding of free, fair and inclusive elections, thereby facilitating the establishment of legitimate legislative and executive organs of the State.

Outcome 3: End the cycle of violence in which South Sudan has been engulfed since 2013.

Resultados

Resultados previstos:  

Output 1: Establishment of an enabling legal framework for free, fair and inclusive elections supported

Output 2: Strengthened institutional capacities for professional, transparent and accountable election management

Output 3: Inclusive participation fostered through enhanced rights and access to information

Output 4: Enhanced environment for maintaining security and mitigating violence during elections

Output 5: Strengthened effectiveness in planning and implementing electoral processes for all citizens


Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

  • This will be the first phase of electoral support supported by Switzerland.
  • Some lessons may be drawn from the 2010 elections, as well as from the preparations and the holding of the referendum, which in 2011 brought independence to South Sudan.
  • Because of the outbreak of the civil war in December 2013, elections were never held in the Republic of South Sudan since independence. Whilst initial preparations towards the holding of elections were undertaken in 2012 / 2013, not much can be learned from that experience.
  • Key lessons from abroad are that, for instance, the legal basis needs to be present, which is why the electoral law needs to be passed by parliament, the national electoral commission has to be reinstituted, and the security environment in view of the holding of elections in December 2024 needs to improve and be stabilized. 


Dirección / Officina Federal responsable COSUDE
Contrapartes del proyecto Contraparte del contrato
Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU)
  • Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo


Coordinación con otros proyectos y actores UNMISS, Members of the UNCT, NEC, governmental and non-governmental actors – in particular civil society organizations. 
Presupuesto Fase en curso Presupuesto suizo CHF    688’000 Presupuesto actual suizo ya emitido CHF    338’000 Total del proyecto desde la primera fase Presupuesto inclusive contrapartes del proyecto CHF   200’000
Fases del proyecto Fase 1 01.08.2023 - 31.12.2025   (Fase en curso)