Sudan parties’ body holds workshop on 2010 elections

August 18, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan’s political parties’ board organized today one day training for the political forces on the upcoming general elections in the country with the support of UN mission in Sudan and the UN Development Programme
The workshop, the first of its kind, brought together nearly 180 representatives of 62 registered political parties across the country.
The workshop was aimed at providing party representatives with basic knowledge about the National Elections Act and the Political Parties Act, as well as issues affecting political parties during the coming elections scheduled for April 2010.
Speaking to the participants, UNMIS’ Chief Electoral Affairs Officer Ray Kennedy reaffirmed the Mission’s advisory role in the electoral process.
“This includes support in the development of operational and logistical plans and procedures for voter registration, nominations, polling, counting, and the tabulation and announcement of results; development of training plans and materials; and development of civic and voter education plans and materials,” the UNMIS said.
The Political Parties Affairs Council was established by the Political Parties Act of 2007 as an independent national body responsible for registering and regulating political parties in the Sudan.
(ST)