JEM rebels welcome SPLM decision to boycott elections

April 7, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The Justice and equality Movement (JEM) welcomed the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)’s decision to boycott general elections in northern part of the country, calling on the other political forces to join the move.

After an initial decision to withdraw its candidates from the Sudanese presidency, gubernatorial and legislative elections in Darfur, the SPLM secretary general Pagan Amum announced the boycott of northern Sudan yesterday.

“We welcome this historical decision because this electoral process does not mean to achieve democratic transition in the country,” said Ahmed Hussein Adam, JEM spokesperson, from Doha. Further he urged the democratic forces to not participate in these fraudulent elections aiming to legitimize the rule of president Omer Al-Bashir.

Darfur rebel groups and the former rebel Minni Minnawi called to delay the electoral process saying general elections aiming to achieve democratic transition in the country imply to prioritize peace in Darfur.

The general multiparty election, the first since 24 years, is scheduled to begin on Sunday 11 April. The opposition forces after condemning the irregularities in the electoral process adopted different positions as some participate while others boycott. The SPLM, Umma Party and Communist Party are among those who have pulled out while DUP of Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani and PCP of Hassan Al-Turabi are taking part in the elections.

The rebel group is conducting difficult peace talks in Doha with the Sudanese government on the ceasefire agreement which seen as the first step in accordance with a framework agreement signed last February agreement.

The two stakeholders failed to agree on a ceasefire deal draft proposed by the mediation. JEM asked to include a joint mechanism to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and to add some provisions dealing with the protection of IDPs and civilians as well as aid workers,but the Sudanese government delegation rejected the rebel demands.

Ahmed also disclosed that leading members of JEM military command met yesterday near Jebel Moon with UNAMID officials from the Western Sector to discuss cooperation between the two sides in order to provide security to the civilians there.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese army accused JEM rebels of violating the ceasefire agreement 35 times since its signing on 23 February. Alsoarmi Khaled the Sudan Armed Forces spokesperson said JEM is boosting its military capabilities in Jebel Moon, imposing taxes, recruiting children, and threatening people asking them to not participate in Sunday elections.

Alsoarmi however said the army would not tolerate any attempt to impede the electoral processor or intimidating civilians.

(ST)