Sudan's Elections Postponed Until 2010

Sherri Siegele

On March 4th, 2009 an arrest warrant was issued for Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir (Republic/north) by the International Crimes Court (ICC) for Darfur war crimes and crimes against humanity. Much controversy surrounded this decision for fear that al-Bashir’s removal from office would result in more conflict. Apparently, in recent times he’s been instrumental in the 2005 peace treaties between the north and south thus having a positive effect on Sudan. Under this treaty a national level power sharing was agreed to which remains tenuous. Also agreed to was a 2009 general elections and a referendum for the south’s independence by 2011. The general election has been postponed until 2010 and the article is not explicit on the implications of this delay but the south seems pleased with the decision. The south intends to find a candidate to run against al-Bashir. Interestingly, al-Bishir has been openly traveling to other African countries that are not part of ICC and, while the ICC knows where he’s at they haven’t arrested him. It appears that all parties involved are trying to constructively manage their way through this situation rather than acting like a bunch of cowboys.