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 April 1-4 2025, was led by BRIDGE facilitators Natia Kashakashvili and Shalva Tskhakaya and supported by BRIDGE facilitators as – Ahon Malou Lueth Makeny and John Kuot Kuany Diing. Twenty-six participants (22 male and 4 female) attended the workshop.

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.

BRIDGE workshop on Boundary Delimitation and Voter Registration received consistently positive feedback. Participants valued the content, interactive approach, and facilitation quality. The practical exercises, particularly group discussions and boundary drawing activities, were highlighted as especially effective for deepening understanding of the concepts.

Most Valuable Aspects

Core Concepts and Principles

1. Participants appreciated learning about the steps and principles of good boundary delimitation
2. Key concepts and definitions were highlighted as valuable
3. Understanding the criteria for boundary delimitation was considered important
4. Guiding principles of voter registration were frequently mentioned
5. Biometric voter registration and VR technologies generated particular interest
6. Operational steps and planning for voter registration were valued

Practical Applications

1. Drawing boundaries exercises received significant positive mention
2. Several participants noted how the exercises revealed the impact election boundaries can have on election outcomes

Planning Elements

1. Operational planning components were frequently cited as valuable
2. Data collection requirements and apportionment concepts were well-received

Teaching Methodology

Interactive Approach

1. Group discussions and exercises were consistently praised for enhancing understanding
2. The participatory approach was highlighted as particularly effective

Facilitation Quality

1. Multiple participants commended the organization and facilitation of the sessions
2. The clarity of instruction and presentation was appreciated

Recommendations and Comments

Course Duration

A common recommendation was that the four-day timeframe was insufficient for the amount of content covered, with several participants suggesting extending to at least one week.

Future Training Needs

Additional Technical Training

1. Requests for more specialized training in GIS technical software
2. Interest in deeper coverage of technology and biometric aspects of elections
3. Desire for continued workshops on boundary delimitation and voter registration

Expanded Audience

1. Suggestions to conduct the workshop for all electoral personnel
2. Recommendations for regular repetition of similar workshops

Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained and indicated confidence in applying what they learned to their work. Several specifically noted the workshop’s value for South Sudan’s electoral processes.

The workshop successfully delivered valuable content while achieving its learning objectives. The balance of theoretical foundations and practical applications was well-received, as was the interactive methodology.