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Ticking the box: elections in Sudan
September 6, 2009. The Clingendael Conflict Research Unit (CRU) is pleased to present its latest publication, entitled Ticking the box: elections in Sudan, written by Jort Hemmer. In Sudan, the country’s first national elections since the end of more than two decades of war are planned for April 2010. This report aims to deepen the understanding of the context in which these elections are to take place and to assess their possible impact.
To this end, it first briefly explores the rationale behind the post-conflict ballot, before moving on to consider the framework of Sudan’s 2010 elections, the nature of the Sudanese state and politics, contemporary flashpoints, and the calculations of key political players. On the basis of that analysis, four different scenarios for the elections will be identified. The report ends with a section reflecting on possibilities for international engagement.
Ticking the box: elections in Sudan reveals that Sudan has much to lose and little to gain from the 2010 elections. A relatively peaceful 'ticking of the box' rather than an open and honest poll appears to be the best possible result that could be achieved. The international community is faced with the challenge to help reduce the threat of elections-related violence, while at the same time seize the few opportunities the 2010 ballot does have to offer.