Fraud warnings intensify on eve of Sudan elections (REUTERS

Fraud warnings intensify on eve of Sudan elections 10 Apr 2010 08:56:02 GMT
Source: Reuters
* Activists warn of widespread irregularities

* Bashir government denies charges

* U.S. would back brief delay in vote

By Missy Ryan

KHARTOUM, April 10 (Reuters) - Activists warned on Saturday on the eve of Sudan's historic elections of widespread misdeeds threatening to mar a vote that had been hoped would give Sudan new democratic legitimacy and help end decades of conflict.

"Violations of human rights - particularly restrictions on freedom of assembly and freedom of the press - are threatening prospects for a free, fair and credible vote across Sudan," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa Director of Human Rights Watch.

"Sudanese authorities are clearly failing to uphold international standards," said Gagnon, one of a broad group of international activists who warned of renewed violence.

Much is at stake in the country's first multi-party vote in a quarter-century, as Sudan struggles to find stability after decades of internal violence, combats deep poverty and seeks to re-establish itself as a credible player on the world stage.

Yet the three-day polls are widely expected to cement the power of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who in 2009, 20 years after taking power in a coup, became the first sitting world leader to be indicted by the International Criminal Court, for allegedly plotting war crimes in Sudan's western Darfur region.

Bashir has promised the elections, which begin on Sunday, will be "free and fair". His party officials criticise the opposition, much of which has pulled out of the poll, saying it is trying to cover up its inability to win votes.

He had hoped credible elections, in which voters will select a new president, a leader of the largely autonomous southern region, parliaments, and leaders of 25 states, would enhance his world standing as he defies the ICC ruling.

وقال مراسل بي بي سي في الخرطوم خالد عز العرب إن الهدوء ساد شوارع العاصمة السودانية وأشار الى أن مراقبي مركز كارتر وصلوا الى أحد المراكز الانتخابية للتأكد من خلو صناديق الاقتراع من الاوراق الانتخابية قبل بدء التصويت.