Sudan’s NCP splinter group applies for registration of new party

December 3, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – A splinter group of the ruling National Congress Party headed by Gahzi Salah Al-Deen Al-Attabani announced that applied for the registration of their new political party saying they will name it the “Reform Now Movement”.

On 21 November, Al-Attabani said their group of Islamist reformists are resolved to form a new party and indicated they would call it “Reform and Renaissance Party”. The announcement can after an ultimatum by the NCP Shura council giving them 10 days to bull back from their public criticisms against the party.

In a press conference held at his house in Khartoum North on Tuesday, the reformists leader said they have applied for the registration of their new party, adding “”I do not see what prevents our authorisation, we have completed all the requirements”.

Attabani said they have no problem with their old political party, expecting that other NCP members from different states will join them.

The former presidential adviser and leader of the NCP bloc at the parliament went further to say they are not automatically hostile to the ruling party or any other political. He said they will praise them if they do well and criticise them if they fail to meet the expectations of the street.

He said the new movement is still under the process of establishment and things pertaining to its structures are adjustable even the name, stressing they want their movement to be national, popular, reformist, transparent, open and flexible.

The NCP reformists criticised last September austerity measures taken by the government and killing of peaceful protesters by the security agents.

Since last year they call for more transparency and accountability in the management of the state. They also called to inject “new blood” into the government saying the current NCP team is ruling the country since 24 years and is less responsive to the needs of Sudanese people.

The new party like the NCP and the Popular Congress Party or the Just Peace Forum (JPF) call for an Islamic state in Sudan. They all were part of the National Islamic Front. The PCP of Turabi broke away in 1999 after, the JPF in 2009. The first was about the role of military in power, while the party of Bashir’s uncle was established against the CPA.

The leader of the new party said they can file a constitutional petition challenging Bashir’s candidature in case he declare his intent to run for the 2015 presidential elections. He also did not exclude his participation in the next elections.

Attabani also reaffirmed their readiness to defend the actions and decisions taken during the past 24 years when they were part of the NCP government.

(ST)