Sudan's current elections are the first truly democratic multiparty vote in more than 20 years and as such, this Arab country stands at the crossroads.
Logistically, the task is huge. Sixteen million registered voters are asked to vote for their president as well as for legislative and local representatives. Over 70 parties and 16,000 candidates are in the fray. Until last week there were 12 presidential candidates, including President Omar Al-Beshir, who has ruled since 1989 and is expected to secure a comfortable win after the pullout of his key challengers Sadiq Al-Mahdi and Yasser Arman who both withdrew from the race after charging that free and fair conditions for the elections are not in place.
This 11th-hour boycotting and repositioning has confused many supporters, especially in the north, who are wondering who to vote for, if they decide to vote at all. In the south the boycott is less relevant - the point of the elections was never really to change the national government in Khartoum. At the end of the day they will vote for secession, one way or another.
The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) will likely score big on the presidential, parliamentary and regional levels, but its impact in Darfur is far from conclusive. There are over two million displaced people and refugees across the region, a fact that makes a free and fair election difficult.
Doubtless, there will be tension among the opposition parties if the NCP prevails in the two-day elections. The Sudanese opposition parties are among the most vociferous and vibrant of all Arab opposition parties and because of or despite that, must play a crucial role in propping up the democratic experience. The opposition must prove it is responsible and serious about its full participation in the political system. In fact, all the various strands of Sudanese politicians must demonstrate that they are serious about change and capable of working as reliable partners in the political reform process with the government.
Whatever the course of political developments in Sudan, the surrounding countries will inevitably be affected by the polls. The unity of the country is of paramount importance to its neighbors. Political instability could spread if the elections fail and are pronounced fraudulent.
The people of Sudan cannot afford not to have a free and fair poll. They have waited for more than a quarter of a century to participate in a true democracy and are yearning to take part in the decision-making process,
Sudanese politicians in turn must seize this opportunity to prove to their people and to the world that they are serious about lifting their country from its political morass.
Being Africa's largest country, with abundant oil resources and great agricultural potential, Sudan could become the breadbasket of the Arab world and an African economic powerhouse. Consequently, the world is watching these elections. The Western powers and Sudan's African and Arab neighbors are hoping that a new chapter in Sudanese history is about to be written.
This is a defining moment for the country. Sudan has a chance to prove to the world that it is on the road to genuine political reform. Whoever wins, the Sudanese people must emerge the ultimate beneficiaries.
Logistically, the task is huge. Sixteen million registered voters are asked to vote for their president as well as for legislative and local representatives. Over 70 parties and 16,000 candidates are in the fray. Until last week there were 12 presidential candidates, including President Omar Al-Beshir, who has ruled since 1989 and is expected to secure a comfortable win after the pullout of his key challengers Sadiq Al-Mahdi and Yasser Arman who both withdrew from the race after charging that free and fair conditions for the elections are not in place.
This 11th-hour boycotting and repositioning has confused many supporters, especially in the north, who are wondering who to vote for, if they decide to vote at all. In the south the boycott is less relevant - the point of the elections was never really to change the national government in Khartoum. At the end of the day they will vote for secession, one way or another.
The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) will likely score big on the presidential, parliamentary and regional levels, but its impact in Darfur is far from conclusive. There are over two million displaced people and refugees across the region, a fact that makes a free and fair election difficult.
Doubtless, there will be tension among the opposition parties if the NCP prevails in the two-day elections. The Sudanese opposition parties are among the most vociferous and vibrant of all Arab opposition parties and because of or despite that, must play a crucial role in propping up the democratic experience. The opposition must prove it is responsible and serious about its full participation in the political system. In fact, all the various strands of Sudanese politicians must demonstrate that they are serious about change and capable of working as reliable partners in the political reform process with the government.
Whatever the course of political developments in Sudan, the surrounding countries will inevitably be affected by the polls. The unity of the country is of paramount importance to its neighbors. Political instability could spread if the elections fail and are pronounced fraudulent.
The people of Sudan cannot afford not to have a free and fair poll. They have waited for more than a quarter of a century to participate in a true democracy and are yearning to take part in the decision-making process,
Sudanese politicians in turn must seize this opportunity to prove to their people and to the world that they are serious about lifting their country from its political morass.
Being Africa's largest country, with abundant oil resources and great agricultural potential, Sudan could become the breadbasket of the Arab world and an African economic powerhouse. Consequently, the world is watching these elections. The Western powers and Sudan's African and Arab neighbors are hoping that a new chapter in Sudanese history is about to be written.
This is a defining moment for the country. Sudan has a chance to prove to the world that it is on the road to genuine political reform. Whoever wins, the Sudanese people must emerge the ultimate beneficiaries.
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