Sudan’s electoral body says 2015 election will be held on time
October 6, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s National Election Commission (NEC) deputy chairman said the decision to hold the general election as scheduled was not dictated upon them by any party, but it is a constitutional requirement that must be met.
Abdallah Ahmed Mahdi on Monday once again rejected a key demand of the opposition parties which say that such step is essential for a successful implementation of democratic reforms to be reached through the national dialogue process.
The election “wouldn’t disrupt the national dialogue process,” Mahdi said this time directing his speech to the opposition parties which say the postponement is a key demand for its participation in the dialogue or the elections which are set to be held in April 2015.
The opposition parties say the ruling National Congress Party (NCP), which holds absolute control over power, wants to control the implementation of the national dialogue outcome because it intends to derail the process of democratic change again as it did with the 2005 agreement to ensure that it remains in power.
On the other hand, the ruling NCP and the government-appointed NEC refuse to postpone the electoral process saying it would create a constitutional vacuum and cause chaos in the country.
Mahdi, who met with the acting governor of Gaizra state, Azhari Ahmed Khalaf Allah, in the presence of the state NEC officials on Monday, said election law emphasised the role of political parties as essential partner in the electoral process which will be held under the supervision of the electoral body.
He stressed the NEC is aware of the ongoing political developments, calling upon all registered parties to review and discuss NEC decisions and name their delegates in it.
Last month, the NEC chairman, Mukhtar al-Asam said they are aware of the national dialogue process and they will take its outcome into account, adding “the president, the parliament and the local councils have no right to extend their mandate”.
Mahdi further asserted that state and high election committees have been set up, saying the next step will be to open the electoral register.
He stressed that the government pledged to meet all requirements of the electoral process, saying they welcome any external financial support but wouldn’t rely on it.
Meanwhile, the acting governor of Gazira state vowed to render all sorts of support to ensure the success of the electoral process including securing polling stations, participation in NEC training programs and providing a well-equipped headquarters for the high election committee.
Last August the NEC announced that the general elections will begin on 2 April 2015 and the counting operation will start on the same day.
(ST)