Opposition forces call for international pressure to stop Sudan elections
March 20, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese opposition and civil society groups in the Diaspora called on the international community to reject the electoral process that Khartoum government is preparing to hold next month.
In reaction to this refusal, the opposition forces decided to boycott the process considering that its participation will only serve to legitimise a process organised under war and lack of political freedoms.
The opposition says a similar position from the international community would help to dissuade Khartoum from running a process that would obstruct its efforts for a negotiated solution ending war and restoring democracy in Sudan.
“We are asking the UNSC, the AU, the UN member states and members of the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and their political parties and civil society organisations, declare a strong and clear message of disapproval to the current election processes and make it crystal clear to the government that the results of such processes would not be recognized by the international and regional community,” said a call released by the opposition in the Diaspora.
The letter is addressed to the African Union chairperson, United Nations secretary general, presidents of the five permanent members of the Security Council, Germany and Norway, IGAD chair, and AUHIP chief.
The political and armed opposition forces agreed recently to meet the government in Addis Ababa to discuss the requirement of the National dialogue as it proposed in a roadmap designed by the African Union Peace and Security Council since last September.
The international community declared its support to the national dialogue and called on the parties to engage in the process, saying only an inclusive and comprehensive settlement can achieve peace and stability in the east African nation.
The government says postponing the elections would bring constitutional void and political chaos, but the opposition proposes a national interim government to manage the country and organise the constructional conference.
The AUHIP mediators are expected to convene a national dialogue preparatory meeting before the end of this March to discuss ways to hold this process inside the country.
However, the opposition says after the elections the regime would continue its military campaigns in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan, and expects that the dialogue face more hindrances imposed by the regime.
(ST)