UN experts stopped discussions on elections after Sudan’s coup: UN SG
March 8, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – UN electoral experts stopped discussions with the Sudanese government over general elections after the coup d’etat that ended the transitional government established in accordance with the constitutional declaration.
On December 27, in a meeting headed by its Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sovereign Council directed to launch preparations for the electoral process, as the coup leaders consider it can be a solution to the political crisis during the transition.
In his 90-day report to the Security Council, the UN Secretary-General stated that at the request of the Prime Minister, United Nations electoral experts met with his staff to outline key steps and challenges associated with the delivery of elections in 2023.
However, the discussions ceased following the resignation of the Prime Minister, even after the decision of the Sovereign Council of December 27.
“The United Nations system in the Sudan has not re-engaged on this issue in the absence of a legal basis for such actions outside the transitional framework provided for under the constitutional Document,” reads the report.
In line with its mandate, the political mission has to support the transitional government in the constitution-making, electoral and census processes, among others.
However, the Sudanese authorities did not implement needed steps before launching the elections including a population census and voter registration, particularly for the displaced people and refugees.
The UNITAMS ended a consultation process with the political and social forces in Sudan aiming to settle the political stalemate in Sudan.
On February 28, the UN mission release a summary report on the outcome of the consultations showing a consensus on the need to review the constitutional declaration of August 2019.
The coup leaders say they refuse any change in the date of the elections. However, the issue could be one of the matters that should be negotiated by the parties.
(ST)