Access to Electoral Processes

The United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) in South Sudan implemented a 3-day BRIDGE customized modular workshop Access to Electoral Processes for National Elections Commission (NEC) staff and other electoral stakeholders in South Sudan to enhance understanding of principles, ideas and strategies for promoting and facilitating inclusive participation in elections of under-represented groups. The workshop was held from 26 to 28 June 2024. The workshop was facilitated by two international facilitators Natia Kashakashvili and Shalva Tskhakaya, together with two recently accredited TtF-complete national facilitators, Chorima Daniel Auwas Pidomoi and Judith Danga Thomas Onzi. (The successful co-facilitation of the workshop resulted in Chorima Daniel’s accreditation as a workshop-level facilitator). Eighteen participants (10 female and 8 male) representing the NEC, CSOs, and the UN IEAT attended the workshop.

Access to Electoral Processes is a customized modular workshop that aims to develop an understanding of the principles, ideas and strategies that can overcome barriers and improve equitable participation in electoral processes. It is designed to consider four key areas of inclusion: gender equality, disability rights, provisions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and youth participation in electoral processes. It provides an opportunity for consideration of the meaning of equal access in relation to different stages of the electoral process, the barriers these groups face in participating, the relevant human rights principles and legal obligations, and different practices, strategies and tools that can be undertaken by different stakeholders to create opportunities for equal access and facilitate inclusive participation in electoral processes.

The workshop was opened and participants welcomed by the UNDP CTA and UN IEAT Deputy Head, Costanza Lucangeli. The workshop began by introducing participants to the basic concepts of various electoral topics, including key international obligations related to elections and the electoral cycle from an inclusion perspective. Participants then engaged in a level playing field activity to identify barriers to participation for four under-represented groups: women, persons with disabilities, IDPs, and youth. On the second day, participants identified strategies to enhance and promote electoral access. On the third day, they practiced advocacy initiatives and considered the importance of setting clear goals to support policies for reform and chance to improve electoral participation.

Participants provided overall feedback regarding the workshop content: the training was comprehensive, hands-on, well-organized, educational and effectively facilitated, with each day bringing valuable insights and practical knowledge. Participants evaluated the workshop as highly productive and engaging, although they felt the course duration was too short and recommended more days for deeper discussions. Overall, the sessions were well-received, with appreciation for the facilitators and organizers, and a desire for more BRIDGE trainings to further understand aspects of credible elections.

At the end of the workshop all participants were awarded certificates of completion.