The United Nations Integrated Election Assistance Team (IEAT) in South Sudan, in cooperation with the National Election Commission (NEC) and UNMISS Political Affairs Division (PAD), is organizing BRIDGE modular workshop on Political Parties and Candidates. This workshop is specifically designed for members of political parties in South Sudan. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and collaborative discussions, this workshop will equip political party members with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively engage with electoral institutions, navigate electoral processes, and uphold democratic principles throughout the electoral journey. The workshop aims to:

1. Enhance participants’ understanding of international standards for democratic elections, as well as the legal framework guiding the conduct of elections, ensuring political parties can effectively advocate for and support credible electoral processes
2. Develop participants’ comprehensive understanding of the electoral cycle and pre-electoral period processes in detail, including boundary delimitation, voter registration, and candidate nomination, enabling political parties to effectively engage at each stage of the process
3. Familiarize participants with different electoral systems and their implications for political representation and governance in South Sudan’s context
4. Strengthen ethical conduct in elections by promoting adherence to political financing regulations and codes of conduct for parties, candidates, and their representatives, fostering transparency and accountability
5. Foster constructive relationships between political parties and other electoral stakeholders, encouraging collaborative engagement throughout the electoral process and building trust among key democratic actors

This workshop is part of an ongoing series of BRIDGE workshops launched in April 2024, as part of a broader capacity development program. The program aims to:

1. Enhance the NEC’s understanding of electoral principles, practices, and election management across the electoral cycle;
2. Raise awareness among targeted stakeholders on key electoral issues; and
3. Develop a pool of qualified facilitators in South Sudan capable of effectively utilizing the BRIDGE curriculum to deliver workshops on electoral topics, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders.