On Thursday 17th August 2023, The European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an agreement of 3million Euros to support the creation of an enabling environment for South Sudan’s Elections set to take place in December 2024. 

The Project implemented in collaboration with UNMISS, UNESCO and UN Women will strengthen national institutions, platforms, and processes for a credible, peaceful, and inclusive electoral process. The upcoming elections are a vital part of fulfilling the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the roadmap.  

During the press conference, the European Union Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen said that having the elections is not enough without fostering trust, acceptance of the elections results and the meaningful participation of citizens in all levels of the process. The Ambassador further stated that, “This requires a holistic approach that includes respect for human rights, equality and inclusiveness of participation, access to information, appropriate legislative frameworks and independent security which are paramount to create a conducive context in which the electoral process can take place.”

Mr. Titus Osundina the Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP in his remarks said that UNDP’s partnership with the European Union is incredibly important as it allows the us to provide support for an enabling environment that sets the foundation for credible and inclusive peaceful elections.

Witnessing the signing on behalf of the government was the Secretary General for the National Elections Commission (NEC), Yoannes Amum Nyiker who said that the country is yet to resolve certain issues pertinent to the elections such as the development of the legal framework, mobilization of resources need for the electoral process, and displaced citizens.

The Project will therefore work hand in hand with national institutions to strengthen the electoral process i.e. National Elections Commission (NEC), Political Parties Council (PPC), the judiciary, media, police, civil society including women, youth and persons living with disabilities as well as under represented groups. Furthermore, the project will also encompass the development of the electoral legal framework, election dispute resolution, broad and inclusive civic and voter education, human rights monitoring during the elections, election security and conflict mitigation.