Campaigning

Campaigning is underway for Sudan's elections which take place in less than a month.  Elections for the president and parliment of Sudan, president and parliment of Southern Sudan, as well as state govenors and assemblies will be held from April 11-13.  

The main parties for President of Sudan are the National Congress Party (NCP), Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), and the Umma Party.  The current Sudan President, Omar al Bashir, is the NCP candidate. The NCP has been in control of the country for 20 years.   Yasir Arman, a secular Muslim, is the SPLM candidate.   The SPLM is strong in the South.  Sadiq Al-Mahdi is running for the Umma (Community of Islam) Party.  He was the nation's prime minister before he was overthrown by the NCP in a coup.

In Southern Sudan, the current Southern Sudan President, Salva Kiir and vice-President,  Riek Macher are the SPLM candidates.

Yesterday we heard a lot of noise in town.  As we approached the town center we saw trucks with campaign posters, decorative branches, and a crowd listening to a blaring sound system campaigning for the Independent party.  This week there were SPLM parades.  Candidates faces are posted on every big tree along the road.  There are a dizzying number of candidates and positions to fill.  

Let us pray that these elections will bring strong leadership and peace to Sudan.

For more information: VOA Sudan Elections in Focus