Boundary Delimitation and Voter Registration

The United Nations Integrated Election Assistance Team (IEAT) in South Sudan, in cooperation with the National Election Commission (NEC) of South Sudan, implemented a 4-day BRIDGE customized modular workshop on Boundary Delimitation and Voter Registration for the State High Election Committees (SHECs) and commissioners and secretariat members of the National Election Commission (NEC) of South Sudan. The workshop aimed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in both boundary delimitation and voter registration processes, enabling them to design and implement fair, accessible, and effective electoral systems within the South Sudanese context.

The workshop, conducted in Juba, South Sudan from March 25-28 2025, was led by BRIDGE facilitators Natia Kashakashvili and Shalva Tskhakaya and supported by BRIDGE faciltiators as resource persons – Ahon Malou Lueth Makeny and John Kuot Kuany Diing. Twenty-two participants (18 male and 4 female) attended the workshop. The workshop was opened by welcoming remarks from the Head of the IEAT/UNMISS Principal Electoral Affairs Officer, Darren Nance and NEC chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol.

Participants were taken through the topics of Boundary Delimitation and Voter Registration with the aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to:

1. Analyze the implications of boundary drawing decisions on electoral outcomes and representation in the South Sudanese context.
2. Identify and apply principles that ensure fair and effective electoral boundary delimitation appropriate to South Sudan’s demographic and geographic realities.
3. Establish criteria for assessing the fairness and effectiveness of proposed electoral boundaries.
4. Master practical skills through hands-on activities that simulate the actual process of electoral boundary delimitation.
5. Examine foundational principles of effective voter registration systems with particular attention to South Sudan’s unique challenges.
6. Develop comprehensive understanding of the administrative and logistical requirements for implementing voter registration in South Sudan.
7. Compare various voter registration methodologies and systems to determine which approach best suits South Sudan’s infrastructure and population distribution.
8. Collaboratively create operational planning frameworks for voter registration that can be adapted to local contexts.
9. Strengthen the institutional capacity of the National Election Commission and State High Election Committees to implement electoral processes.
10. Foster collaboration between national and state-level electoral authorities.
11. Develop action plans for implementing workshop learnings in preparation for upcoming electoral activities.

The feedback indicated a highly positive reception of the workshop, with participants finding it informative, engaging, and relevant to their work. The interactive nature of the training and the expertise of the facilitators were particularly appreciated. The primary improvement suggestion was to extend the workshop duration to allow for deeper understanding of the complex topics presented. Based on the analysis of participants’ written feedback, several key themes emerged:

Content and Subject Matter

1. Material delivered and explained in a simple, understandable way
2. Comprehensive content relevant to South Sudan context
3. Well-organized workshop content
4. Clear explanations of topics

Teaching Methodology

Instructional Approach

1. Highly interactive approach appreciated
2. Practical exercises and group activities
3. Case studies from different countries
4. Contextualizing scenarios to South Sudan situation
5. Hands-on activities that reinforced key concepts

Facilitator Performance

1. Skillful trainers who engaged participants
2. Clear and well-delivered presentations
3. Effective summarization of modules
4. Motivational teaching techniques
5. Fostering a collaborative learning environment

Areas for Improvement

Workshop Duration

1. Multiple requests to increase the number of days for the workshop
2. Content described as “compressed” and needing more time, especially for new learners

Follow-up Requests

1. Recommendations for more workshops and training on electoral processes
2. Desire for state-level workshops
3. Request for continued capacity building
4. Suggestion to revise subjects periodically for retention
5. More practice and case studies requested