I am part of a email list of Darfur related organizations and one member, Mohamed Suleiman, released this news today about the upcoming election in Sudan. Though it has long been obvious that these "free" elections were anything but free, this news still does not bode well for the future of a free Sudan.
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"The coming elections in April will not only be a sham, but now are marred with ugly conspiracies that will guarantee that Omar al-Bashir and National Congressional Party (NCP) will win without considerable challenge.
The leaders of the northern opposition groups who once bitterly complained about fraud in registration, no freedom of expression or organizing, and the heavy hand of Government of Sudan in security, now have changed their minds. Just few days ago many of them were contemplating boycotting the elections altogether for being a sham.
There are 4 major norther opposition parties in Sudan:
- 1- Ittihadi party (headed by Mirghani).
- 2- Umma party - has two branches (one headed by ElSadig Almahdi, the ther by his cousin Mubarak Almahdi).
- 3- The Popular Congress party (headed by Elturabi - former NIF leader).
- 4- The Sudanese Communist party (headed by Nugud).
Yesterday, Saturday, the Ittihadi came out with stunning declaration: The leader of the party, Mirghani, declared that he will endorse Omar al-Bashir for the presidency of Sudan. He has directed all his followers to support and vote for Omar al-Bashir as President.
Yesterday, The Communist Party nominated its leader to run for presidency. Also the party declared that it will participate in the "elections" on all levels. These are the same elections that the leaders of the party till recently call it "will be fraud elections". Now till yesterday, most of the Northern communists, leftists, and liberals are among the most enthusiastic supporters of Yasir Arman, the nominee of SPLM for presidency.
A few days ago, Elutrabi party have decided to participate in the elections and nominated a Muslim Southerner for presidency.
A few days ago, The Umma Party, both branches, decided to participate fully in the very elections that they recently stated no chance of being free and fair.
So why the sudden change?
Some observers in some Sudanese media say that there were intense secret negotiations between the NCP and the Northern opposition parties to keep the status quo. To keep the power and wealth of the nation in the same hands of the northern elite. The NCP promised sharing of power and wealth after the elections with the northern opposition parties if they just participate in the elections.
The African Darfuris, almost unanimously, are the only group in Sudan who steadfastly call for the boycotting the coming elections as a sham.
These latest moves by the Northern opposition parties. will definitely weakens the stand of SPLM in the election in the North. "
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