Sudanese opposition criticizes political parties law

The Sudanese Cabinet discussed yesterday the parties' draft law to present it to the parliament to be ratified. The law, which faced criticism from the Sudanese opposition, would allow the formation of political parties in Sudan starting at the beginning of the coming year.

Mohamed Hassan El-Amin, a political official in the ruling National Congress, stated that the law will grant the ultimate freedom to citizens as well as establishing the political organizations in an easier way.

Sudanese opposition members criticized the draft law and described it as "especially designed to suit the ruling party."

The Sudanese daily al-Rai al-Akhar quoted the leader of the banned Democratic Unionist Party, Ali Ahmad al-Sayyed, as saying he regrets not inviting any of the opposition parties to take part in the drafting of the said law, which was drawn in a way to suit the National Congress Party.

The Sudanese government had outlawed all political parties following the coup which brought the government of President Omar Bashir to power in 1989.