In January, Sudanese President and accused war criminal (and, as of this week, perpetrator of genocide) Omar al-Bashir was re-nominated for President ahead of Sudan’s first elections in over 20 years in April. On the campaign trail, al-Bashir has said that these elections “would teach the world lessons in dedication and sacrifice.” In reality, what Save Darfur and many other observers believe these elections will teach the world is that “a dictatorial and even genocidal regime can forgo its commitments to peace and democratic transformation without suffering any consequences.” Indeed, the run-up to these elections has been marred by violent suppression of opposition supporters, the beating of journalists, and voter intimidation efforts meant to deter Darfuris from registering to vote.
It is clear that al-Bashir will go to extremes to make the elections appear legitimate. But all his actions, and those of his ruling party, portend elections that are anything but free and fair. The Sudanese government must take steps to ensure free and fair elections, as Rabbi David Saperstein said in a statement marking the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South of Sudan. The international community must do its part, however, by refusing to recognize the elections until the conditions surrounding them meet international standards.
To help rally the community, Save Darfur has initiated a postcard campaign that will urge President Obama to stand with the Sudanese people and not legitimize a government that must intimidate and disenfranchise its citizens to be elected.
Contact Save Darfur to receive your free postcards (see image at the top of this post) in the mail and let your and your community’s voice for peace and justice be heard! You can also send an e-mail to the President on the topic here.