I thank the Cathaoirleach for affording me the opportunity to raise the issue of the recent elections in Sudan. Last January, on a bitterly cold day in Dundalk, I was proud to witness the departing troops on their final inspection by the then Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, before they took up their role in Chad, which primarily was to deal with the humanitarian crisis that has been caused in Darfur. It is with a heavy heart that I note the recent elections did nothing to improve the lot of the poor people of Darfur. The election in northern Sudan was overseen by up to 3,500 volunteers from the independent civil society network in Sudan, and a report on the conduct of the election was issued that I have to hand. The election was won by President Omar al-Bashir and his National Congress Party. In 2009, Omar al-Bashir was indicted on five counts of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, ICC. While there always was going to be a question mark about the conduct of these elections, unfortunately people's fears and those of the civil society network within Sudan have been realised.
The National Election Commission, NEC, was established under the comprehensive peace agreement that holds out hope for a stable and safe democratic society within Sudan in time but which is far from being delivered at present. However, the NEC, which oversaw the administration of the election, has been accused by the civil society network of a range of malpractices pertaining to how the census was conducted, how polling cards were distributed, how records were kept of voting on the day and how planned voter education programmes were not carried out. Moreover, recruitment to the NEC's staff was neither neutral nor of an equal opportunity nature. The NEC failed to transport election materials or even to bring equipment to voting centres in many parts of the north. These and many other instances of malpractice and maladministration in the election process give rise to grave concerns about the legitimacy of the results, especially in the north. It may appear curious that Sudan, which is so vast and far away, should be of concern in Ireland. It is the largest country in Africa and is the same size as the whole of Western Europe. However, it is of concern to us in a real way because the lack of security and stability in Darfur affects Chad where Irish peacekeepers and peace enforcers have been working hard to ensure the safety of the people of Darfur as they flee from the war President al-Bashir initiated. Incidentally, he has described it as being an ordinary resource war, which is an absolutely appalling way to view it.
I hope for a strong response from the Minister of State on Ireland's view of those elections and what can be done in their wake to ensure there can be a return to an agenda that will begin to establish a proper democracy in Sudan and, most critically, ensure the safety of the people of Darfur. I understand a referendum is due next year in which it is highly likely that southern Sudan will opt for self-determination. The civil society network in Sudan has stated that following this referendum on self-determination, a reorganisation of real elections should take place as soon as possible for the achievement of peace and security in Darfur. I hope the Minister of State can support this call for a reorganisation of real elections following the referendum in southern Sudan.
