Dear Secretary Clinton:

I am writing to express my concern over the recent national elections in Sudan. Unfortunately, the conditions the international community saw in Sudan last week were not conducive for free, fair, or even credible elections.

Freedom of the press and political party access to media were curtailed by the ruling National Congress Party. Freedom of movement and association which would allow for proper campaigning was restricted. And the NCP and SPLM illegally used government resources for campaigning purposes. United Nations reports noted that the "powers of arrest and detention, coupled with a lack of accountability for National Intelligence and Security Services agents ... have a detrimental effect on electoral conditions in Sudan."

Rejecting the results of this fraudulent vote was an important first step, but now the United States and international community must hold all parties in Sudan accountable for fulfilling their obligations to the Sudanese people.

I am calling on you to use all available pressures to ensure the parties in Sudan fulfill their obligations under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to provide for a democratic transformation of the country.

If the government of Sudan continues to inhibit basic political rights and freedoms, the stage will be set for violence during the referendum on southern succession. If civil war is to be avoided, both the governments of North and South Sudan must recommit themselves to protecting personal liberty and freedom in order for the referendum to be credible. These are not just lofty ideals— they are obligations that both parties agreed upon in the CPA. As a guarantor of the CPA, it is the responsibility of the United States to hold those who presided over fraudulent elections accountable and take all steps to further democracy in Sudan and protect the integrity of the 2011 referendum.

Thank you.

Credit: Save Darfur