South Sudanese public eager for elections, UNMISS survey reveals
The survey, conducted between April and May 2024, captured the views of 2,231 participants from the country’s ten states
By Emmanuel Mandella
A recent perception survey by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has revealed a strong appetite among the public for democratic processes, with more than 90% of respondents affirming the importance of holding elections and expressing their intention to vote. However, the survey also highlights significant obstacles that must be addressed to ensure credible and peaceful elections.
According to the survey conducted between April and May 2024, it captured the views of 2,231 participants from South Sudan’s ten states, focusing on critical issues such as democracy, peace, security, and the role of civic space.
While the findings indicate optimism about elections, respondents underscored hurdles such as insufficient preparations, security concerns, lack of political cooperation, and funding constraints. Additionally, 78% of participants emphasized the need for robust international support to facilitate credible elections.
Further, a concerning disparity emerged regarding freedom of expression. While 57% believed that the media operates freely in South Sudan, 69% felt that ordinary citizens lack the same freedom. Alarmingly, 32% reported instances of intimidation, threats, arrests, or attacks against household members for sharing their views publicly.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. All South Sudanese should be empowered to express their views without fear,” emphasized Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
He added: “As the country prepares for its first post-independence elections, all stakeholders, including the Government and its agencies, must work to create a safe and inclusive environment so that everyone can freely and fully participate in political, democratic, and nation-building processes.”
However, security remains a pressing concern for many South Sudanese, with 53% of respondents describing the country as very or somewhat unsafe. Although the perception of insecurity peaked at 57% in 2023, a slight improvement to 52% was observed this year.
Despite these challenges, 77% of respondents were cautiously optimistic about the future, predicting that peace would either improve (44%) or remain stable (33%). However, this represents a decline in optimism from a high of 92% in 2020.
The survey also reflected positively on UNMISS’ efforts, with 79% of respondents reporting improvements in the mission’s protection of civilians, a 10% increase compared to 2023. Similarly, 88% noted that UNMISS’ human rights initiatives have had a significant or moderate impact in preventing violence and abuse of civilians.
Regarding intercommunal conflict, 87% acknowledged UNMISS’ role in mitigating tensions, with only 13% reporting no impact. Overall, 84% rated the mission’s performance as very good (46%) or somewhat good (28%).
The findings serve as both a testament to the South Sudanese people’s resilience and a call to action for all stakeholders. “The road to peaceful, free, and credible elections requires collaboration, commitment, and courage,” said Haysom.
With the clock ticking towards the nation’s first post-independence elections, the survey underscores the urgent need to address security concerns, uphold freedom of expression, and ensure international support for South Sudan’s democratic aspirations.
“The road to peaceful, free and credible elections requires collaboration, commitment, and courage,” said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
