Wednesday, June 16 at 2 pm
Presentations by:
Traci Cook, NDI interim resident director, Juba, Sudan
Pat Merloe, NDI senior advisor for elections
Ans Zwerver, NDI resident director, Khartoum, Sudan
Keith Jennings, NDI regional director, Southern and East Africa (Moderator)
The recent elections in Sudan had a number of shortcomings, however, for the first time, a national domestic observation network, a coalition of a northern Sudanese group and a southern Sudanese network, issued a fact-based statement, noting both the successes and challenges of the election. Though problems with the electoral system remain, the country must now focus on completing the final pieces of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including the referendum in Southern Sudan, a vote that will determine secession or continued unity.
Presenters will discuss Sudan's first domestic election monitoring effort and the coalition's findings. The briefing will also cover the findings of recent focus group research on Southern Sudanese citizens' views of the referendum.
NDI has worked in Southern Sudan since 2004. The Institute carries out civic engagement and education programs in the north and south and has conducted focus group research on citizen attitudes toward peace and reconciliation since the signing of the CPA in 2005.
This event is by invitation only. Please RSVP to Alison Souders if you wish to attend.
