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 organizations, and journalists. 

This briefing discusses how elections have been managed in Sudan and by whom. Focusing on the period since the 1990s, it suggests that a move to a professional electoral management body has been attempted, but this has been deeply problematic. The briefing is structured around three questions: 

1. What institutions of electoral management has Sudan used for previous elections?

2. Why have these institutions been problematic?

3. What choices are required in designing a new electoral management body?