US program seeks to help train election workers and support new government in South Sudan democracy

Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

New U.S. program to support elections and political processes in South Sudan

A new program will continue to build democratic governance in South Sudan through electoral training and boosting civil society’s role, Creative Associates International announced today. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, the five-year “Systems to Uphold the Credibility and Constitutionality of Elections in South Sudan” (SUCCESS) program will push the first post-independence elections in 2015 and the implementation of the new Constitution to create more robust and mature democratic systems.

“At this pivotal moment in South Sudan’s history, we are honored to be part of another landmark election in the country,” says M. Charito Kruvant, President and CEO of Creative. “The SUCCESS program will enable South Sudanese citizens to build a more effective and responsive government.”

The implementers, led by Democracy International, also includes the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, the Public International Law and Policy Group and the State University of New York Center for International Development.

Supporting peace and stability
The SUCCESS program takes a multifaceted approach that will include work with electoral authorities, political parties and national and sub-national level governance institutions, as well as civil society organizations.

Creative will support South Sudan’s National Election Commission (NEC) by providing technical assistance on all aspects of elections like electoral dispute resolution processes, management training workshops, and study tours and exchanges. Working with Democracy International, Creative will also assist the NEC in developing a conflict mitigation plan that includes an electoral security framework and conflict monitoring methodologies.

“Creative’s expertise in election management, conflict mitigation, and civil society development prepares us well for the challenges in South Sudan,” says Jeffrey Carlson, Director of Creative’s Electoral Education and Integrity Practice Area. “We’re looking forward to working with the South Sudanese on this important program.”

Building on previous experience

Creative is a recognized thought leader and practitioner in conflict prevention and management – including elections. Its widely acclaimed Best Practices in Electoral Security: A Guide for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Programming helps stakeholders cross-reference the country context with best practices used in similar environments.

Unrelated to elections, Creative recently completed an education program in South Sudan that improved the lives of nearly 93,000 children. The program ended in September. (CreativeAssociatesInternational.com)

About Creative Associates International

Creative Associates International works with underserved communities by sharing expertise and experience in education, economic growth, governance and transitions from conflict to peace. Creative is the second-largest company owned by women that works with the U.S. government.

Based in Washington, D.C., Creative currently has field offices in more than 20 countries. Since 1977, it has worked in more than 85 countries and on nearly every continent. Recognized for its ability to work rapidly, flexibly and effectively in conflict and post-conflict environments, Creative is committed to generating long-term sustainable solutions to complex development problems.