We’re One Year Away From Our Unprecendented Elections

Posted on January 7, 2007
Filed Under Sudan, Democracy, Sudanese |

Yup, that’s right. Since it’s already 2007, it means we’re only one year away from our elections. Frankly, the idea of me voting is just too surreal. I still can’t absorb the fact that I’ll be able to vote together with my family (except for my sister since she’s too young). The elections will be truly historic. If John Garang was still alive, I might have actually voted for him. Yes, I know shocking to many of you Sudanese out there right? The SPLM however does remain a good option and I’m glad they’ve been busy touring the far north of Sudan. We’ll have to wait and see though… What about the Democratic Unionist Party or hizbal Umma? Hmmm. I know one thing for sure. I am NOT voting for Turabi’s Popular Congress Party. Oh hell no! In my opinion the main players in order will be Bashir’s NCP, the SPLM, Turabi’s Popular Congress Party, hizbal Umma, the Communist Party and then the others.

What’s a little scary is that this thing is about a year away and many Sudanese have no clue about it or what to do when the time comes. Even I admit that I myself am not prepared well enough for it. I think we Sudanese should start preparing ourselves from NOW. I just wish detailed information about the elections was easier to obtain.

The elections within Sudan will be internationally monitored but what about the votes that will be cast by the Sudanese Diaspora abroad? Will the voting process in Sudanese embassies across the world be monitored too? Because if it’s not, we can expect a lot of “lovely” games.

Yo, Sudanese people in the house… who are YOU going to vote for and why?

Comments

8 Responses to “We’re One Year Away From Our Unprecendented Elections”

  1. Precious on January 8th, 2007 8:59 am

    “What’s a little scary is that this thing is about a year away and many Sudanese have no clue about it or what to do when the time comes. ”

    So true.. am totaly clueless.. I mean I did read bout it couple of times in the newspaper, but I guess I never really gave it much attention cuz part of me is positive that it wont be honest at all!!

    Everything that has anythin to do with the government or the poor poeple of sudan is full of manupilations and Lies…

    But, Nevertheless, I agree with you we should start preparing ourselves for it.. EVEN if the results didnt reflect the true opinion of the people..

    Thanks for the wake up call!!!!

  2. Drima on January 8th, 2007 1:52 pm

    I know how you feel Precious. I try not to be cynical even though in a way I truly am cynical but I always do my best not to let it overwhelm me. I always like to keep dreaming about better days even if those better days remain a dream in my head.

    We, the young Sudanese generation need to get more politically active but we also need to think in a critical way.

  3. Sam on January 8th, 2007 2:00 pm

    Elections in Sudan? Daym…you were damn right when you said that not many Sudanese folks have a clue about it when it’s only a year away. Most of my Sudanese friends don’t have a clue…and like Precious said, those that heard about it didn’t give it much thought. Although I’m not Sudanese, I used to carry the passport when I lived in Khartoum (don’t ask how), and if I still had it, I’d vote too. If Garang was still alive…I’d surely vote for his party. Damn…I still remember the chaos that happened the day he and King Fahad died.

  4. Drima on January 8th, 2007 5:11 pm

    Yo, Sam I called you a few days ago but apparently your friend picked up. I’ll call you again 2moro morning. No credit right now. Laters :)

  5. CommonSense on January 8th, 2007 5:28 pm

    i knew there was an election but i dont know if i can vote, can you vote from abroad?? i have to read about the parties. my family is hardcore supporters of popular congress party, but whenever i ask sudanese about them they seem to completely be against them..i still have time to find out.

  6. Roman Kalik on January 8th, 2007 7:02 pm

    Welcome to democracy, corrupt and bent out of shape as it may be.

    Be advised, ignorance is your greatest enemy. Fixing’s easy when few vote, and when the few who do vote are either ignorant of the facts, or bought.

    Don’t be too optimistic but don’t let the cynicism and pessimism take you down. Corrupt and extreme politicians win from public adamance, the corrupt because those who would have voted for change give up before the fight, and the extreme because fanatics of all sorts vote every the time.

  7. Hipster on January 10th, 2007 11:15 am

    Drima, who will you vote for & why?

  8. The Libyan Observer on January 11th, 2007 10:16 pm

    good luck on the elections Drima, hope your people find peace, and who ever is elected stops this mindless bloodshed.

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