Look Who it Was Random video

Sudan begins its countdown to its first multi-party elections in 24 years

264 views · Published 23 February 2010 · 1:59 · Indexed 29 September 2026

Channel: United Nations · 2010 · News & Politics

Watch on YouTube

Untied Nations, New York, 23 February 2010 - With only 47 days to go, the timeline is tightening as Africas largest country the Sudan begins its countdown to its first multi-party elections in 24 years. Speaking to journalists, the United Nations Chief Electoral Affairs Officer to Sudan, Ray Kennedy, stressed the need for a joint effort among electoral stakeholders to make this historic event a success. 

The success of these elections will require combined efforts of the NEC (National Electoral Commission), the PPAC (Political Parties Affairs Council), other national authorities, the United Nations system and the broader international community but more importantly it will rely on the Sudanese people themselves, who in the long run will determine if this is a peaceful and acceptable process, said Ray Kennedy.

It has been noted that the elections are complex due to the number of ballots which will be made by both northerners and southerners, many of whom will be taking part in multi-party elections for the first time in their lives.

The Electoral Law in Sudan was passed two and half years late in 2009. 

Ray Kennedy urged journalists to play an active role in sensitizing the wider public with factual information on the on-going electoral process.

"The lack of information alone can damage the credibility of an electoral process if large numbers of voters do not know where to vote, do not mark their ballots properly, or do not know who the candidates are," said Kennedy.

Various political parties launched their election campaigns almost two weeks ago on February 13 and are now sharing their visions on the country's future with supporters through numerous rallies country-wide. However, Kennedy noted that much needs to be done for the Sudanese people in order to prepare them to meaningfully participate in the electoral process.

We want to take this opportunity to encourage all registered parties and their supporters to continue to demonstrate maturity and respect for the rights of others to campaign, to attend campaign events and to make their personal choice of leaders and representatives when they are in the voting booth in just a few weeks time, said Kennedy.  

The UN Security Council resolution 1590 which established the UN Mission in Sudan in 2005 allows UNMIS to provide guidance and technical assistance to the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to support the preparations for and conduct of the elections and referenda provided for by the CPA."

More from this channel