USAID Systems to Uphold the Credibility and Constitutionality of Elections in South Sudan (SUCCESS)

The program aims to promote genuine and transparent elections, establish a sustainable constitution, and engage citizens and civil society in democratic processes. The SUCCESS team consists of three components: increasing the capacity of South Sudanese institutions to implement political processes, supporting political parties to more credibly represent citizens, and promoting citizen engagement in political processes. During the first quarter, the SUCCESS project engaged project stakeholders to begin achieving results, building established relationships, and introducing technical assistance components to key counterparts, including the National Electoral Commission (NEC), National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and civil society organizations. The project launched its start-up team in Juba, met with core counterparts and project stakeholders, and established an initial operating base in the capital city. The SUCCESS team participated in a post-award meeting with USAID in Juba on November 6, 2013, which provided an overview of the SUCCESS program, compliance, administration of the cooperative agreement, and reporting requirements. The team held consultations with key stakeholders to introduce the technical assistance components of the program and met with other international organizations outside the USAID DRG implementing group and prominent local groups to provide a nuanced understanding of the current dynamics and context. Material support was provided to sustain the National Elections Commission (NEC) operations through the Rapid Response Fund, covering expenses including rent for the national office in Juba, VSAT rental and fuel, and office stationery. Electoral and constitutional needs assessments were conducted in early December 2013 to review the institutional capacities and needs of the NEC and NCRC and identify priorities for assistance. The assessments highlighted key areas requiring assistance, including the establishment of a functioning secretariat, State High Committee offices, and building administrative capacity. The SUCCESS project will continue to work with USAID to provide assistance remotely from a location in the East Africa region in close coordination with national staff. The security situation will be assessed to identify the earliest opportunity to resume operations in South Sudan. Project planning will be informed by implementing partner meetings held by USAID in Washington, DC and Nairobi, Kenya. The SUCCESS project engaged project stakeholders to begin achieving results, building established relationships, and introducing technical assistance components to key counterparts. The project's initial coordination included the following: Component 1, Increased Capacity of South Sudanese Institutions to Lead Processes that Citizens Accept as Legitimate, Sub-Component 1.1, EMBs Administer Credible and Transparent Electoral Processes that Citizens Accept as Legitimate. An electoral needs assessment (ENA) was conducted in Juba from December 4-19, 2013, to review the institutional capacities and needs of the NEC, relevant State High Committees, and electoral stakeholders. The assessment aimed to review the policy and operational capacity of the NEC to administer credible and transparent electoral processes, identify technical and political risks, and provide strategic and better frame planning for assistance. A gap analysis was conducted to identify current levels and specific targets needed to successfully administer transparent, credible, and secure elections in South Sudan. The assessment highlighted key areas requiring assistance, including the establishment of a functioning secretariat, State High Committee offices, and building administrative capacity. The assessment also identified the need to develop a multi-sectoral electoral security plan and implement conflict policy reviews to reduce potential electoral conflicts. The 2015 electoral cycle will create unprecedented competition in South Sudan, and lessons should be drawn from recent violence for its implications in the electoral sphere. Additional assistance was provided to the NEC, including technical and communications support to present its electoral processes to the public. The SUCCESS project will continue to work with USAID to provide assistance remotely from a location in the East Africa region in close coordination with national staff.