Sudan’s ruling party says voter turnout rate “reasonable”
April 19, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in Sudan announced the formation of a technical committee to study and analyse the results of the recent elections and described voter turnout figures announced so far as “reasonable” and “sufficient” for the party.
The chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Mokhtar al-Asam said that 4.8 million voters took part in the polls out of 13.8 million registered voters.
The numbers do not include voters abroad and numbers from Gezira state which saw the vote extended due to rampant logistical issues.
The African Union (AU) observer mission confirmed this week the low turnout in the elections saying it would not exceed 40% and said this could be partially due to boycott by opposition parties.
Analysts say that the low turnout represents political blow to the ruling party as it has not been able to mobilise its base to come out and vote despite assertions on its popularity.
Ismail said the electoral register was not properly cleaned up as it included deceased voters, students who graduated, voters who changed residence, army recruits whose camps were relocated and voters who are now South Sudanese citizens.
This he said, was to blame in part for the decline in voter turnout but nonetheless he considered it a good number compared to those seen in worldwide elections .
The NCP has previously said that 75% of its members have voted. Party officials in the past have said that their base contains between 6-10 million members.
Ismail dismissed US and the European Union (EU) position on the elections and its credibility saying they are only interested in imposing sanctions.
The Arab League, AU and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have all approved the elections despite pointing out some issues.
(ST)