WASHINGTON - A grant coalition of over 190 organizations, collectively called the Save Darfur Coalition, questions the legitimacy of the coming Sudanese elections based on a new analysis by the Carter Center, which has expressed grave concerns about the political and security environment throughout the country less than one month ahead of the country’s first multiparty elections in over 20 years. This analysis contradicts repeated assertions by the Sudanese government that the necessary conditions for free and fair elections currently exist in Sudan.
In its latest statement on Sudan's electoral process, the Carter Center notes that while much has been achieved in organizing the 2010 elections, the country's first competitive elections since 1986, the process remains at risk on multiple fronts including the ability of candidates to campaign freely and the impact of delayed logistical preparations by the National Elections Commission.
The Save Darfur Coalition has urged the international community to act on respond to reports of continued insecurity in Darfur, a lack of basic political freedoms and suppression of the media – all of which shed clear light on the ruling National Congress Party’s intent to oversee a fraudulent electoral process designed to legitimize its undemocratic, repressive and genocidal rule.
The Save Darfur Coalition made furthermore a special appeal on the United States to act immediately to lead the international community in pressing the Sudanese government to create an environment for a real contestation of power and to reduce the risk of election-related violence and human rights violations.
The Carter Center has reported the following issues of importance:
Inability to Campaign Freely in Darfur and Current State of Emergency.
The Carter Center observed that campaigning has been constrained due to insecurity in many parts of the country, including Darfur and Eastern Sudan. Large parts of Darfur are also of concern given recent reports of violence - at least three candidates have been shot, with one killed. Most importantly, the assurances given by the Sudanese authorities that the state of emergency in Darfur will not be used to limit political party activity are not sufficient to overcome the continuing limitations on the freedoms of the citizens of Darfur.
Lack of Basic Campaigning Freedoms.
The election process remains at risk, as the ability of candidates to campaign freely is obstructed by existing laws that contravene Sudan’s constitutional protections. The National Elections Commission (NEC) and Sudan’s Ministry of Interior have also issued a circular on campaigning activities that requires at least 72 hours notice to authorize any political campaign events held in public venues, thus limiting freedom to gather and campaign.
Freedom of Press.
While journalists are continuously harassed and threatened throughout Sudan, the Carter Center highlighted several specific incidents of media suppression. Most shockingly, Umma Party leader and former-Prime Minister, Sadiq Al-Mahdi, was accused of ‘inciting hatred’ in a speech that was refused broadcast on Radio Omdurman. Two radio stations in Juba were closed due to objections of their election coverage. Candidates must also pre-record their campaign programs for broadcast, and the content must be approved by the NEC. At least two newspapers’ editorial staff has been summoned by the National Press Council over negative comments made about President Bashir.
Election Delay?
The Carter Center warns that a minor delay in polling might be necessary to ensure that all logistical preparations are completed prior to the beginning of the voting period. The limited capacity of the National Elections Commission has set off a series of delays and changes in polling procedures. In deciding whether to adjust the electoral calendar, the political parties should respect the NEC’s authority as the administrating body of the election.
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