Sudan opposition leaders flock to Juba to discuss upcoming elections
February 2, 2010 (JUBA) – The major Northern opposition parties in Sudan convened in Juba today only a few days after the 2nd Vice president Ali Osman Taha was in town amid reports that he is seeking to convince Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) to withdraw its presidential candidate who is running against president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.
The previously unannounced meeting with South Sudan president included Umma Party leader Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Sudanese Communist Party chief Mohamed Ibrahim Nugud and Popular Congress Party deputy leader Abdullah Hassan Ahmed.
Both Al-Mahdi and Nugud are also running in the elections against Bashir.
In a press conference following the meeting, Al-Mahdi accused the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) of lacking seriousness on resolving the Darfur crisis adding that the Doha talks currently underway between Khartoum and rebel groups is merely “public relations”.
The former prime minister was further quoted by the London based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper as saying that this meeting is a continuation of the Juba conference that took place last year.
He warned of a scenario similar to that of Kenya “if fair elections are not held” where post-election violence killed hundreds and displaced thousands after rigging was alleged by the opposition.
“There could be another scenario if the referendum for self determination in South Sudan does not take place in a free manner” Al-Mahdi warned and called on the government to lift the freedom restricting laws.
The deputy SPLM Secretary General Yasir Arman said that the Juba coalition will not take part in the elections if all outstanding issues with the NCP are not resolved.
Speaking to Reuters today, a senior unnamed US official said that Sudan’s electoral process has not been subject to “gross violations” and it is unlikely the NCP could unfairly swing next April’s vote its way.
“Yes there are probably irregularities, yes, in all elections there are probably some,” the official told Reuters in a telephone interview late on Monday.
“But in the big scheme of things … there’s probably a high probability that if 16 million people come out and vote, that … will reflect a large proportion and fair proportion and credible proportion of the Sudanese voting population”.
The official said even if President Omar Hassan al-Bashir won April’s elections, that would not be enough to change the position of Washington or the International Criminal Court (ICC) on his government.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Bashir last year over charges of war crimes in Darfur and analysts say Bashir is hoping to establish his democratic credentials by winning the election. Sudan is under U.S. sanctions and on Washington’s list of state sponsors of terror.
“That does not legitimize the leader until he starts doing things to show that (his) is going to be a remade party — one that takes care of its people,” said the official.
(ST)
yirolda
Sudan opposition leaders flock to Juba to discuss upcoming elections
That is not true al madi Spm will not withdraw her candiadate
The candidate is our true and we shall for him
Pwad Achob
Sudan opposition leaders flock to Juba to discuss upcoming elections
Mr Hilary,
I think that the problem is not in the north but in the south.
There are so many southerners in the north and because there is rule of law in the north I believe that those who want to stay in the north will be wellcome by northeners if southerners decide to vote for sessesion.
The problem is in the south where there is no rule of law. SPLA soldiers are spread all over the southern towns and villages and are terrorising civilians and behaving as if they are not the protectors of their own citizens. They kill and harrass without accountability.
Recently, an innocent man was shot at the market area in Barh El Gazal state just because he was carrying a stick..He died innocently and nobody will face court or dicipline.These atrocities are spread all over the southern states.These behaviour can not happen in the north without lawful action.If you go to protest infront of the pariliament in Juba town today you will be shot and nobody will be accountable or talk.
Lets see into ourselves before we blame others. If you doing something good you will be able to convince others of bad things they do.
Thanks
Ajak Yak Giet...
Sudan opposition leaders flock to Juba to discuss upcoming elections
Look at arab,They have now released that bashir is not a good leader and yet they allow him to contest for the post of presidency….Ali should let Bashir die alone and convincing SPLM to withdraw Yasir Arman will never happen…It is to realise that we are absolutely having no compromise for you bashir and the right place for you is Hague….Go,go man your days are number and you are just a moving grave….Those opposition parties better make a coalition government and kick Bashir’s ass properly without him getting a chance to think of rigging….I prefer Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi for presidency then Bashir….but is already taken by Arman….What a amusing move for the SPLM!!!!!…At least South is not sleeping….