This briefing is part of RVI’s Sudan Elections Project, a short-term study on the history of elections in the country. The project examines the different factors that have shaped the course and consequences of elections in Sudan, while drawing out lessons to inform the programming and advocacy work of those hoping to ensure a successful transition in Sudan. Research is based on analyses of election-related documents and interviews with polling and electoral commission staff, candidates, political party members, civil society organisations, and journalists.

Sudan’s current legal framework for elections was devised during the CPA period (2005 – 2011), and subsequently amended. Alongside the specific electoral laws there are a number of other relevant laws and a significant body of rules that regulate the holding of elections. This briefing argues that this body of law and rules needs to be considered as a whole in order to ensure a credible electoral environment. It also suggests enforcement and oversight of these laws matters as much as what they actually say. The briefing is structured around three questions:

1. What is the current framework?
2. In what ways has it been problematic?
3. How could it be improved?