Election
Observers Say Millions Could Miss Sudan’s First Vote
International
observers have millions of voters could be left out of Sudan's
first elections in 24 years, because of a failure of authorities
to persuade more people to register for the poll.
Observers from
The Carter Centre said they were concerned poor publicity over
the process had already hit the number of people registering to
vote, warning some states might sign up fewer than half of
eligible voters for the April 2010 elections.
A statement by
the Carter Centre said, ’’Without civic education millions
may effectively be disenfranchised by a combination of ignorance
of the electoral process, mistrust of central authorities, and
poor publicity of registration activities.’’
"Without
specific attention to reaching those most distant from the
process, the registration exercise will be undermined,"
it added.
The ballot was
set up under a 2005 peace agreement that ended more than two
decades of north-south civil war in the oil-producing nation.
But leaders from both sides remain at loggerheads over
preparations.
‘Increase
awareness’
The Carter
Centre has consequently urged Sudan's National Elections
Commission (NEC) to increase publicity and funding for teams
signing up voters across the country, saying current figures
showed most states might miss registration targets.
It said there
were concerns over the turnout for registration in western
Darfur territory as well as the east, south and the central
Kordofan regions.
The elections,
scheduled for April next year, have already been marred by
accusations of fraud and opposition parties have threatened to
boycott them if democratic reforms are not passed before they
take place.
Registration was
due to end after a 30-day period on November 30 but was
extended for one week following concerns about low turnout and
public awareness.
The Carter
Centre also said it was concerned that military and security
personnel had been allowed to register where they work, rather
than where they live, which might allow for double registration.
REUTERS/Yinka
