UNMISS Bolsters South Sudan’s Electoral Preparedness with Two-Day Workshop

UNMISS Bolsters South Sudan’s Electoral Preparedness with Two-Day Workshop

UNMISS Supports South Sudan’s Journey Towards Peace and Prosperity

In its continued effort to aid South Sudanese citizens on their journey to peace and prosperity, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has recently organized a two-day workshop on electoral preparations. The workshop, conducted by UNMISS’s Civil Affairs Division in Malakal, sought to engage civil society organizations, returnees, and youth representatives in Upper Nile. This initiative underlines the UN’s commitment to fostering democratic governance through voter and civic education.

Workshop Content and Attendee Perspectives

The training program covered a variety of topics, including conflict management and mediation. The aim was to equip the 45 participants with the skills necessary to interact with local authorities and other stakeholders effectively. Youth representative Ruot Lul Kuar expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming event, hoping that groundwork at the national level is underway to ensure a smooth voting process despite any potential challenges that might arise.

UNMISS’s Role in Electoral Preparations

Yoseph Damena, a Civil Affairs Officer serving with the peacekeeping mission, elaborated on the role of UNMISS in the electoral preparations. As a provider of technical support, UNMISS is instrumental in organizing activities and implementing the action plan derived from a previous workshop. Damena also noted that follow-up meetings are planned to track progress, exchange views, and address challenges, thus ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the training.

Civil Society Forum’s Appeal to the Transitional Government

The civil society forum of Upper Nile State welcomed the initiative, stressing the need to replicate it to raise awareness and readiness throughout the different stages of the election process. Simon Ador, Interim Chairperson of the Civil Society Group in Malakal, urged the transitional government to expedite the formation of an independent electoral commission, register voters, implement security reforms, and redeploy the Necessary Unified Forces. These steps, according to Ador, are crucial in creating a conducive atmosphere for fair and credible elections.

Looking Forward

The UNMISS-led workshop signifies a step forward in equipping South Sudanese citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills for the upcoming elections. However, there are calls for the transitional government to facilitate the electoral process by taking decisive measures aimed at ensuring a favorable environment for fair and credible elections. The journey towards peace and prosperity in South Sudan continues, with the hope that the upcoming elections will mark a significant milestone in this process.