sudan goes to the poll's

When the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (brokered by the USA, the UK and other Western allies) was signed in 2005 a sea change took place in the country. Exiles returned in droves. Leaders of the opposition became part of government. A coalition government (14 political parties) was formed, headed by the former rebels of Sudan’s Peoples Liberation Movement and the National Congress Party.
The interim constitution defined Sudan as a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious country. The right to organize political parties and associations was restored. English was reinstated as a language of instruction and government (on a par with Arabic). The Press and Publications Law was adopted unanimously by the National Assembly. There are now 42 newspapers (5 in English) (none the mouthpiece of the government) and 83 political parties, 73 of them contesting the elections. Elections are run by an independent commission, headed by a highly respected Southern Sudanese, former Minister and lawyer, Abel Alier.

The political parties are now busy preparing for elections due on 11-13 April 2010. The progressive electoral law guarantees women 25% of the seats of parliament. They already have the right to equal pay, full suffrage and top positions in the judiciary, business, the civil service, universities and media. Proportional representation ensures small parties and minorities a voice in parliament. More than 16 million have registered to vote (out of 19 million eligible voters). Hundreds of elections observers were invited from many countries.

This multi-faceted transition in Sudan is monitored by a commission called the Assessment and Evaluation Commission, chaired by a retired British Diplomat, Sir Derek Plumbly. His level headed and balanced reports are optimistic; but they put a firm finger on the necessity to address now the potentially incendiary post elections and post referendum arrangements. The referendum (to be held in 2011) will give the Southern Sudanese the chance to vote for secession or remain as part of Sudan.

Commenting on the challenges facing Sudan, the present British ambassador to Sudan, Dr. Rosalind Marsden CMG recently launched a month long “UK in Sudan Season” in Khartoum which the Embassy organized with the British Council and the Department of International Development. She said “We want the Sudanese people to know that they are not alone in facing the challenges that lie ahead.” Her words were much appreciated because they were complemented by many concrete deeds. British financial and technical assistance in the run-up to elections did make a difference.

Good news? Not in the eyes of unelected and unaccountable fronts of neocolonial designs, like the International Criminal court and the International Crisis Group, which are – understandably – not overjoyed by the prospects of stability and democratic transformation in Sudan. They oppose elections without offering an alternative and claim that the polls are rigged before a single vote is cast!! These organizations miscalculate. Previous attempts to bully or coerce the Sudan have failed. Elections will go ahead as a step towards stability, modernisation and progress.