Sudan's DUP pulls out form presidential race

KHARTOUM, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese opposition Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), led by Mohamed Osman al-Merghani, on Friday decided to pull out from Sudan's presidential race and withdraw its presidential candidate Hatim al-Sir.

"We have decided to pull out from the coming presidential elections, and we are currently in consultation with the party leadership regarding our participation at the remaining levels of the elections or boycotting them," Ali al-Sayed, a leading DUP member, told Xinhua on Friday.

He attributed his party's decision to what he termed as "unfair procedures" by the National Elections Commission (NEC), and continuation of the Darfur crisis.

He acknowledged that the Sudanese opposition parties have failed to reach consensus regarding the elections, saying that " each party started to decide what it believes conforming to its top interests."

Earlier in the day, the Sudanese opposition Umma Party decided to continue in the elections provided that the NEC responds to its demands.

Sudanese opposition parties on Thursday divided among themselves where some decided to boycott the general elections, slated for this month, some decided to participate and others said would announce their positions later.

The Umma Party (Reform and Renewal) and the Communist Party have affirmed that they decided to boycott the elections at all levels.

The Popular Congress, the National Alliance and the Sudanese Congress parties have said they would participate in the elections.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), the major partner in the Sudanese government, on Wednesday announced withdrawal of its presidential candidate and said it would boycott the elections in the Darfur region.