New GOSS Ministry of Legal Affairs and Consitutional Development Website

Web researchers are often at a loss for laws in effect in Southern Sudan posted online. The Government of Southern Sudan's Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development are seeking to remedy this.

Their new website is up, and it has downloadable, updated laws. To find the laws in place now, look to the right of the webpage under quicklinks. Click on the 'downloads' hotlink for a complete list.

Sudan on course to hold elections

There's a lot of opinions out there about whether or not to hold elections in Sudan. Is itOK to hold elections while a war rages in Darfur? What about freedom of the press? Logistical issues of Southern Sudan? Whatever the opinion is, the fact that this country is a big step closer to beginning their democratic process. I think that is something that goes into the 'positive' column.

For what it is worth, I think any elections, properly run or not, is a step this country needs to take. In the north, if the law is enforced (the election law), the security apparatus does not interfere, and there is some breathing space for the press, and an exchange of ideas happens, Khartoum is going to be a different place.

As for elections in the South, it is a must-do. Since the end of the civil war in early 2005 the social compact between government and citizen has changed radically. The citizens are due their chance to renew the leadership's mandate, or choose new leaders. On that point, it makes me happy to hear that many within the leadership feel this way too.

Article is here. Related article here.

Update: here is the GONU schedule.