Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, the Sudan as a whole has been engaged in the establishment of democratic institutions and processes. The first was the formation of an inclusive government of national unity (GONU). This was followed by the formation of the government of South Sudan (GOSS). State governments were then formed. A national legislature (National Assembly), South Sudan legislature, and state legislatures were put in place.

The above arrangement ushered in a three-tier governance in north Sudan and a four-tier one in South Sudan namely, the national government at the top, the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) as the second tier, the South Sudan state governments being the third, and the local governments as the fourth tier.

While all these institutions were formed by appointments to run the country during the interim period of six years, the CPA clearly sanctions the creation of these institutions through constitutional democratic process during and after the interim period. A population census will be carried out in 2007. There will be general elections in 2008, and in South Sudan, there will be a Referendum for Self-Determination in 2011.

Apart from this, there exists a wide range of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These NGOs tend to be partisan and non-partisan. They now focus their attention on development and would like to monopolize development. On the other hand, the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) sees its role as the sole and fundamental in the restructuring the society and therefore, would want to control the agenda of development. In this context, the GOSS may behave negatively toward handing over control of development without government intervention and support.

It is not denied that civil society has a role to play in harnessing the energies of organizations at the national, state, and local levels thus, not only facilitating, but promoting the process of democratic development. In the same way, it is also important for us to work towards the creation and maintenance of a stable democratic government. The role of civil society organizations is based on the dualism played by civil society organizations and therefore, their relationship with the State. On the one hand, these organizations pressurize the government to be more responsible, accountable, and transparent; and on the other hand, supporting the government in the implementation and development of democracy in South Sudan.

In the absence of established democratic institutions, SSIDP aims to promote sustainable democracy and peace in South Sudan. The goal here is to bring about a stable peaceful and democratic government. Because the success of democracy in South Sudan means the democratization of other parts of Sudan.