Elections Commission says there will be no delay

05/04/2010 14:57

The National Elections Commission on Sunday announced it will adhere to its position of holding the elections on time and rejected the request made by the Umma Party to delay them four weeks to deal with complaints about irregularities in the electoral process. A number of opposition parties, starting with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, had announced a boycott, saying the vote was rigged already to ensure victory for President al-Bashir. Deputy Chairman of the Commission Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah told reporters that the elections will be held on the date specified. For his part, U.S. Envoy Scott Gration said the elections should be held on schedule to allow for preparations for holding the referendum in the South in 2011.

The National Elections Commission on Sunday announced it will adhere to its position of holding the elections on time and rejected the request made by the Umma Party to delay them four weeks to deal with complaints about irregularities in the electoral process. A number of opposition parties, starting with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, had announced a boycott, saying the vote was rigged already to ensure victory for President al-Bashir.

Deputy Chairman of the Commission Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah told reporters that the elections will be held on the date specified. For his part, U.S. Envoy Scott Gration said the elections should be held on schedule to allow for preparations for holding the referendum in the South in 2011.