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Summary
The United States on Monday urged Sudan to immediately lift restrictions on political parties and indicated it would accept a short delay in landmark elections if it helped address concerns.The United States is concerned by the troubling developments, including serious restrictions on political freedoms, which have led to the ongoing uncertainties on the election, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said. It is important for the government of Sudan immediately to lift restrictions on political parties and civil society, he added. Sudan must also ensure that all voters are able to participate in the election by improving conditions on the ground, including in Darfur and elsewhere, and by providing meaningful access polling places. Sudan's electoral commission has insisted the April 11-13 vote will go ahead on schedule despite threats by opposition parties to boycott the first elections since 1986. The US envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, said Saturday after meeting members of the electoral commission that he was confident the elections would be as free and fair as possible and would start on time. But Crowley said that while Gration was working hard to encourage better conditions, it may be preferable to delay the election slightly.
