The United States Agency for International Development has awarded Democracy International (DI) a five-year, $74.7 million cooperative agreement to implement the Systems to Uphold the Credibility and Constitutionality of Elections in South Sudan (SUCCESS) program. DI will launch the program in Juba this month with a series of high-level meetings with key officials in the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and a diverse network of civil society stakeholders. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with USAID and our local partners to implement this important project and to support the participation of the people of South Sudan in peaceful, democratic processes,” stated DI President Eric Bjornlund.

To implement the SUCCESS program, Democracy International has partnered with Creative Associates International, 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.

Beginning immediately, DI will assist the National Election Commission to prepare for and conduct the country’s first elections as an independent, democratic state. DI will also support an inclusive constitutional development process through direct assistance to the National Constitutional Review Committee and National Constitutional Conference. Beginning in 2014, DI will aid political parties and legislators to more effectively represent the interests of their constituents.

DI’s program will also facilitate civil society engagement in critical democratic processes, notably the development and adoption of a new constitution and the conduct of peaceful, democratic elections. Observed DI’s Chief Executive Glenn Cowan, “Decades of experience have shown that robust civil society participation is essential to the credibility of transitional elections.” DI will support civil society groups to observe the elections, conduct public opinion research, and carry out advocacy campaigns, civic-education programs, and conflict-mitigation activities. DI’s program will also work to empower women and youth to engage in political processes.

For press inquiries, please contact Patricia Alejandro at palejandro@democracyinternational.com or +1.301.961.1660.