UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
11 Mar
2010
Malakal students urged to vote
University students in Malakal recently participated in an open-day forum to discuss their role in forthcoming April elections.
Organized by UNMIS Public Information Office, the 6 March event was held under the theme "Success for today is preparation for tomorrow".
The forum brought together over 200 students from Upper Nile Sate University as well as representatives from UNMIS electoral, human rights and civil affairs sections.
Speaking to participants, Human Rights Officer Alfred Zulu noted that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) safeguarded the rights of all Sudanese to take part in elections.
"You all have to exercise this right because it has not been easy to get it," Mr. Zulu said.
This year's polls will be Sudan's first democratic election in more than two decades.
During a discussion session, students raised questions about security during elections, ongoing disarmament efforts and the candidature status of President Omar Al-Bashir, who has an outstanding International Criminal Court warrant of arrest.
"Bashir has not been found guilty. Therefore he is free to contest as a president of the Sudan," said Mr. Zulu.
Civic Education Officer Captain Jarret said that everybody had a right to vote or be a candidate. "The people of the Sudan should not fear to vote and they should do so without intimidation. Every vote counts."
Explaining UNMIS' role to students, Civil Affairs Officer Anton Hookes said the mission would support the National Election Commission in providing a free and fair electoral process.
