UNMISS Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Elections in South Sudan

JUBA, 24 December 2024 – A perception survey commissioned by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reveals that over 90 percent of South Sudanese respondents support the importance of holding elections, with nearly all expressing their intention to vote.

The survey, conducted in April and May 2024, gathered insights from 2,231 participants across South Sudan’s 10 states. It assessed public opinion on key topics including the economy, security, peace and democracy, civic space, and the impact of UNMISS’ activities.

While the findings highlight widespread enthusiasm for elections, respondents raised concerns about significant challenges, such as inadequate preparations, security risks, political cooperation, and insufficient funding. Additionally, 78 percent of participants emphasized the need for international support to ensure peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.

The survey also shed light on limitations to freedom of expression. While 57 percent believe the media can report freely, 69 percent feel the same freedom does not apply to the general public. Alarmingly, 32 percent of respondents reported that a household member had faced intimidation, threats, arrest, or physical harm for expressing their views.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. All South Sudanese should be empowered to express their views without fear,” stated Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS. “As the country prepares for its first post-independence elections, stakeholders must create a safe and inclusive environment that allows for full participation in democratic processes.”

Security remains a pressing issue, with 53 percent of respondents perceiving South Sudan as unsafe. While this marks a slight improvement from 2023, when 57 percent felt unsafe, concerns about personal safety persist.

Regarding peace prospects, 77 percent of respondents expressed optimism, believing the situation will either improve (44%) or stay the same (33%). However, this represents a decline in confidence compared to 2020, when 92 percent felt optimistic about sustainable peace.

The survey also highlighted positive perceptions of UNMISS’ efforts in South Sudan:

Civilians’ Protection: 79 percent rated UNMISS’ performance in protecting civilians as either “much better” (24%) or “better” (55%) compared to 2023, showing a 10 percent improvement.

Human Rights: 88 percent acknowledged that UNMISS’ work had significantly (32%) or at least somewhat (56%) contributed to preventing violence and human rights abuses.

Inter communal Conflict Resolution: 87 percent felt UNMISS had made a positive impact in preventing and resolving inter-communal conflicts.

Overall, 84 percent of respondents rated UNMISS’ performance as very good (46%) or somewhat good (28%), with only one percent deeming it poor.

The findings underscore both the challenges and opportunities ahead for South Sudan as the nation prepares for its first elections since independence, with UNMISS playing a critical role in fostering peace, security, and democratic processes.