SPLM, Umma form an alliance ahead of Sudan’s election

September 5, 2009 (JUBA) — Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the opposition Umma Party on Saturday agreed in Juba on Saturday to form a political alliance before the next April elections.

The former Prime Minister and leader of the Umma Party said last Thursday said against any attempts to sabotage the right of self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan. He was alluding to differences between the two peace partners over conditions of self-determination exercise.

The agreement included the perspective of the two parties on the issues of elections, referendum, draft of good neighborliness, attractive unity and human rights.

“We have come together as the two parties to contribute to help our country get out of the national crisis we are in,” said SPLM Secretary General after the signing of the agreement, adding “We are also putting together our efforts to ensure free and fair elections in our country, so that our people can choose their own government in a free and democratic process.”

The alliance deal was inked by the southern Sudan government Vice President Riek Machar, who is also the SPLM’s deputy chairman, and Nasser El-Deen Al-Hadi Al-Mahdi, the deputy Chairman of the Umma party.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Salva Kiir, the First Vice President of the Republic, South Sudan government President and SPLM chairman, and Sadiq Al-Mahdi, a former prime minister and the head of the Umma party.

Salva Kiir and Sadiq Al-Mahdi shook hands and then embraced each other.

The deal shows that the two signatories of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement after four years of difficult partnership in the national unity government, in accordance with the peace agreement, have decided to confront each other in April 2010 elections.

Next week, leaders of Sudanese opposition parties are expected in Juba to hold talks over a possible political alliance ahead of the general elections. Most of the invited parties were members in a former alliance between the SPLM and the opposition before the 2005 peace deal.

The National Congress Party made it clear on Friday that it would not take part in the meeting after the SPLM rejected two conditions put by the northern Sudan ruling party to attend it.

Mustafa Osman Ismail, Presidential adviser and NCP Foreign Relations Secretary, said the SPLM should have to be keen to invite the other parties of the unity government.

Last week the NCP said it would attend Juba Conference if the SPLM associate it to the conference preparation and invite all the political forces and not limit it to specific political parties.

But the SPLM rejected the two conditions.

(ST)