Voter education was a success

The voter education done by the MS Sudan partners reached more people and areas than expected.

By Data Emmanuel, editor, Maruba Newsletter/CEAP

21. May 2010

From October 2009 to April 2010, 12 partners in Central and Eastern Equatoria States have carried out voter education with a total of over 26,500 people reached directly through activities.

“Based on the wishes of the partners, the voter education was planned to be more than practical information about the polling. The approach was based on the strong and firm belief that elections are only one part of democracy and it was important for us that elections were put in the context of people’s lives and how the elections are a chance for the people to make their leaders and representatives accountable,” says Peter Tholstrup.

However, the voter education faced several difficulties and a lot of those were linked to the fact that the National Elections Commission sent out information at very late dates.

“The actual information needed for the voter education like for instance how the voting process would be came in bits and came late so that the partners did not have all the necessary information when they started their activities,” says Peter Tholstrup.

Involving the people
Despite the challenges, the partners can feel the impact of their work in their respective areas.

“We saw people asking the politicians questions which held them accountable and a positive turn-up during polling days after telling people within our reach to go and vote as one of their constitutional rights and for accountability,” says Joseph Lodu, a youth representative and secretary for foreign affairs for Mundari Youth Association for Reconstruction and Development in Terekeka.

The voter education was approached through the use of materials such as t-shirts, posters and pamphlets supplied by the National Elections Commission and were supplemented by MS Sudan voter education leaflets, traditional dance in Terekeka and the use of forum theatre and practical materials like debate cards and board game.

“The partners have used an approach that involves people to think and make decisions on their own,” explains Peter Tholstrup.