Sudan’s ruling party fails to agree on formation of new government
June 5, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in Sudan postponed the announcement of the new government after its leadership bureau failed to reach consensus on the proposed names.
The deputy chairman of the NCP Ibrahim Ghandour emerged from the meeting to tell reporters that the cabinet reshuffle and the names of governors will be announced within the next 48 hours.
“If all goes as planned, the oath [ceremony for ministers and governors] could take place on Sunday,” Ghandour said.
The NCP official said that the leadership bureau discussed the proposed new cabinet and “made observations” about the ministerial formation finalized by Bashir.
“We discussed all the names given and approved a large number of them, and there are two parties that did not submit their candidates’ names for the [government] portfolios,” he said.
The NCP leadership bureau consists of 45 figures, 30 of whom are elected and the remaining are appointed by Bashir.
Ghandour said they will convene again later today to continue discussions and noted that 30-35% of government posts will be allocated to non-NCP parties.
The Sudanese leader said earlier this year that only parties which contested in April’s general elections will be offered posts in the government.
Bashir issued a decree on Tuesday night dissolving the government and relieving his aides. Earlier that day he was sworn to a new term.
The Federal Truth party (FTP) has been excluded from the new cabinet while the United Umma Party (UUP) rejected the NCP offer for ministerial posts on the grounds that it is not compatible with their political stature.
Last week, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) led by Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani announced that it will not join the government for the same reasons spelled out by the UUP.
But the NCP swiftly denied the DUP declaration stressing that consultations between the two sides are ongoing.
(ST)