Sudan’s Decisions and Implications

The Elections and the Referendum

Sudan’s recent elections were billed as politically defining and as having far-reaching implications for the country and the region. Seen as one of the cornerstones in the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the polls saw the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) leader, President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir, secure a new term with 68% of the vote. His two main challengers Yasir Arman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi of the Umma party withdrew from the race (although after the deadline allowed by the electoral law). Salva Kiir Mayardit, the leader of the SPLM contesting only for the presidency of South Sudan, received 93% of the vote. The polls, representing the first multiparty political experience in over two decades drew mixed reactions with some observers arguing that they were marred by fraud and irregularities (both in the north and south). Others including the African Union, however, hailed them as free and fair. As Sudan moves toward the January 2011 referendum on self-determination for the south, it is important to ask a number of questions that are pertinent to its immediate future. First, what is the implication of the polls on the many challenges that stand between the country and peace? Second, how should President Bashir's re-election be interpreted in light of the International Criminal Court’s indictment? Third, what are the likely specific implications for the South’s self-determination process? And finally, what should the international community, and South Africa, in particular do to minimise the potential risks of violence in the country’s hotspots?

Mindful of Sudan’s strategic and geopolitical importance to its immediate neighbours, the African continent, and the broader international community, this Round Table aims to bring together experts, officials and individuals with an interest in the subject with a view to suggesting policy options toward consolidating Sudan’s democratic project.

Speakers

His Excellency Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Sharif

Sudan’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa.

Dr John G N Yoh,

Principal Liaison Officer, Government of South Sudan Liaison office in South Africa

Discussant:

Graham Maitland

Chief Director for East Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Date

08 June 2010 @ 9h00 for 9h30-11h30.

Venue:

AISA, 1 Embassy House, Cnr Bailey Lane & Edmond Street, Arcadia, Pretoria

RSVP – Limited Space!-Penelope Masenamela at penelope@igd.org.za  or on (011) 315 1299

Sam Lekala at SLekala@ai.org.za by Friday 5 June 2010.

Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks will be provided