Following the 2020 request made to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, by the Transitional Government of Sudan for support in the holding of elections, and as encapsulated in Security Council resolution 2524, a United Nations Electoral Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) visited Sudan from 5 to 23 April 2021.

The purpose of the Needs Assessment Mission to Sudan was to better understand the Sudanese context, including the legal and institutional frameworks and capacity needs of various stakeholders, so as to inform the scope and type of UN technical assistance which can be provided in due course to Sudan, in support of its nationally owned and led electoral process, as per the Constitutional Declaration.   Needs Assessment Missions are conducted as a matter of routine practice in every country in which the United Nations is requested to provide technical assistance for the holding of elections.

The NAM held meetings with a wide range of interlocutors, including representatives from the national and state authorities, political parties, media, civil society, women groups, and members of the donor community and the UN agencies.

The NAM was comprised of representatives from the United Nations Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs (UNDPPA) Electoral Division, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

UNITAMS, UNDP and other members of the UN family look forward to engaging with the national authorities on the outcomes of the NAM in support of Sudan’s elections.