Oregonians Call on U.S. Government to Withhold Support from 'Sham' Sudanese Elections

Sudanese elections, currently scheduled for April 2010, will be anything but free and fair.

stopgenocidenow.org - 'Guisma'

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Residents of Oregon are joining activists nationwide to call for the withholding of US support for illegitimate Sudanese elections, currently scheduled for April 11, 2010.

Beginning February 20th, for the 50 days leading up to the Sudanese elections, regular citizens in every state are taking targeted and effective action to ensure the US government will not legitimize sham elections in Sudan.

Monday, March 1st, 2010 is Oregon’s Day of Action! On Monday, March 1, activists in Portland, Oregon and beyond are coordinating action calling on the US Administration to NOT legitimize the April elections in Sudan.

Participants will email President Obama and Senator Wyden; sign and send petitions; call the White House and 1-800 GENOCIDE. Other duties include sending texts to Secretary Clinton; as well as using social networking sites; Facebook and Twitter, sending messages and updates.

“Sudan elections NOT legitimate. Where are the consequences?”

High Schools across Portland are taking part; Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Barlow and Lincoln. Lewis and Clark and University of Oregon with Lane County Save Darfur Coalition are among the countless others statewide that have taken part in both the days before and after March 1.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Sudanese elections, currently scheduled for April 2010, will be anything but free and fair. The electoral reforms laid out by Sudan's 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement - necessary for a credible election - have been delayed, obstructed and outright violated by the Sudanese government.

With instability continuing in Darfur and violence mounting in the South, fraudulent elections in April could be a dangerous flashpoint for Sudan. The US should not legitimize non-credible elections in Sudan.

For more information SudanSham2010.org

About Sudan Sham 2010

Sudan Sham 2010 is a coordinated effort of regular citizens across all 50 states and DC who stand with the people of Sudan—the marginalized, the disenfranchised, and the brutally oppressed—in demanding free and fair elections.

In a climate of violent political intimidation and with millions disenfranchised in camps, there cannot be credible elections in Sudan. US support gives the government of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, indicted on war crimes and crimes against humanity, legitimacy it does not deserve.

It is a waste of American taxpayer money, and non-credible elections will fuel violence and divisions in a country that is already on the brink of disaster.