Sudan Election: Bashir In Historic Win

PHOTO: OMAR HASSAN al-BASHIR.

San Francisco, April 26, (THEWILL) – Sudan leader, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir was today declared winner of Sudan's first open elections in 24 years.

Bashir won 68 percent of the presidential vote, while Salva Kiir retained his job as the president of Sudan's semi-autonomous south, with 92.99 percent of the vote, according to results released by the National Elections Commission.

Bashir’s victory makes him the only head of state or government wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. He is accused of authorizing the murder, rape and torture of many in the Darfur area during the conflict.

There are however reports that the poll was marred by fraud and irregularities suggesting that Bashir’s coalition with Kiir may be very shaky.

The Sudanese are scheduled to vote in a referendum in 2011 to decide whether South Sudan should split and become an independent country.