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News & Updates
Press Release
IFES Congratulates the People of South Sudan on Their Independence
On July 9, the Republic of South Sudan officially declares its independence from Sudan and becomes the world’s newest nation.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
South Sudan Sets Sail
After years of struggle and conflict, elation permeates South Sudan as it commemorates its independence on July 9, 2011.
From Juba, Parvinder Singh, IFES’ Acting Country Director in Sudan, tells us of the independence celebrations, the challenges that lie ahead for the world’s newest country, and how South Sudan can solidify its democracy.
News & Updates
Feature
South Sudan's Journey to Independence
On July 9, the Republic of South Sudan becomes the world’s newest nation. Independence from Sudan is the result of years of conflict, an internationally mediated peace agreement and a peaceful popular vote for separation. Although violence continues throughout Sudan, the January 2011 referendum on independence for South Sudan marks a triumph of the democratic process. More than 97 percent of registered southern Sudanese voters cast ballots to determine their nation’s future. This photo gallery depicts the milestones along South Sudan’s path to independence.
News & Updates
Feature
A Conversation with General Lamine Cissé
As Africa continues to move away from military and dictatorial rule, also known as “the strong man syndrome,” electoral competition in the various African countries will continue to present serious challenges, including violence.
News & Updates
Feature
What Made Nigeria’s 2011 Elections So Effective
This past April, Nigeria received accolades from national and international observers for the implementation of its national elections.
News & Updates
Feature
Nigerians Vote in Multiple National Elections
Nigeria held a series of nationwide elections in April 2011, beginning with National Assembly polls on April 9 and a presidential election on April 16. Elections for state governors were held on April 26 in most parts of the country but delayed until April 28 in two states due to violence following the presidential vote. After registering to vote in January and February, Nigerians underwent a voter accreditation process in the morning of each election day before casting their ballots in the afternoon. Despite the considerable security challenges, the polls were considered generally fair and credible by international observers.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES Observes Voter Registration in Nigeria
More than 65 million Nigerians registered to vote between January 15 and February 8 for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in April. IFES conducted unofficial monitoring in the southern and northeastern regions of the country in order to give feedback on the registration process and results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. INEC experienced technical problems with the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines used to register voters and faced serious challenges deploying machines and registration workers across the country. However, at the end of the period, many civil society groups gave the exercise positive marks and Nigerians remained enthusiastic for the upcoming polls.
News & Updates
Feature
Southern Sudan: Referendum for Secession
Sunday, January 9 kicked off a week of voting in Southern Sudan on a referendum to determine whether it will secede from the north. The overall mood was jubilant as citizens fulfilled one of the points established during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which was signed on January 9, 2005 between the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. The CPA expired on July 9, 2011. Final results from the referendum are expected to be released in late January and final results will be made public by February 14, 2011.
Election Material
Ballot
South Sudan Referendum Ballot 2011
Ballot used in the referendum held between January 9 -15, 2011, which resulted in the creation of an independent South Sudan.
News & Updates
Feature
Southern Sudan Registers to Vote in the Referendum
An estimated 3.9 million Southern Sudanese registered in November and December 2010 to cast a ballot in the referendum occurring between January 9-15, 2011. The SSRC has established polling centers in the north and in eight countries (Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the UK, and the USA) and the SSRB has established polling stations throughout Southern Sudan. As a key milestone of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the referendum will determine whether Sudan remains unified or if the ten states of Southern Sudan will secede. At least 60% of those registered to vote must cast a ballot for the results to be binding.