May 7, 2009
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
CONTACTS: 
In Khartoum: Aly Verjee +249 126 341 480 or +44 20 3004 9278
In Juba: Sanne van den Bergh: +249 126 724 565 or +256 477 182 893
In Atlanta: Deborah Hakes, +1 404 420 5124 

 

 
The NEC's recent declaration of an official electoral calendar is a significant milestone in Sudan's electoral process.  Taken together with the NEC's formation in November 2008 and the beginning of its budgetary and planning work, these steps demonstrate important initial progress.  However, significant challenges remain including the need for policy decisions on voter registration and constituency delimitation, and the need for the GONU to release funding for the NEC's work.  In addition, Sudan's leaders should take action to amend legislation incompatible with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); ensure effective implementation of such reforms; and promote greater respect for the freedoms of expression, association, and belief, and adequate conditions of physical and humanitarian security for all Sudanese, especially in Darfur and other areas with security challenges.
 
The Carter Center election observation mission began activities in Sudan in February 2008 in response to a request from the leaders of the GONU and the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS).  The NEC has subsequently confirmed this invitation.  The Carter Center established offices in Khartoum and Juba, and Carter Center staff has travelled widely in Sudan to monitor electoral preparations, track the progress of related political developments, and inform key stakeholders of the Center's role in observing Sudan's electoral process. 

 
The Center's election mission will assess the electoral process in Sudan based on the CPA, Interim National Constitution, National Elections Act, and obligations for democratic elections contained in regional and international agreements, including the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
 
The objectives of the Carter Center's election observation mission in Sudan are to: a) provide an impartial assessment of the overall quality of the electoral process, b) promote an inclusive electoral process for all Sudanese, and c) demonstrate international interest in Sudan's electoral process.   
 
In a longer report attached to this statement, The Carter Center expands on the seven key recommendations provided below for improving the administration of Sudan's electoral process.  Both this statement and the accompanying report are based on reports from Carter Center observers and ongoing assessments by the Center's field offices in Khartoum and Juba.