The role of Sudanese parties in the failure of democratic experiences since independence ..! – #other dimension – ✍️ Musab birr
Since Sudan obtained its independence in January 1956, the question of democracy and the circulation of power still remained, but the democratic experiences which failed to continue, while the military coups have passed or collapsed by its internal crises. A large part of this failure is due to the role of political parties which have not been able to consolidate the rules of democratic action or to build parties of parties capable of directing the State and society.
The Sudanese parties from the start brought a complex colonial and social heritage, because they were mainly established on narrow sectarian, regional or ideological foundations. The UMMA party was linked to the supporters and the Mahdist sect, while the Federal Democratic Party was associated with the sealing sect, while ideological parties such as the Communist Party or Islamic Parties crystallize later. This foundation made sectarian and ideological loyalty overwhelming national national programs, weakened the strategic vision of the State and dispersed the political decision between the religious and regional axes.
In the three democratic experiences (1956-1958, 1964-1969, 1985-1989), the same scene was repeated: the conflicts of parties in Parliament, fragile coalition governments, the absence of clear development plans and the concern of political elites with party maneuvers for the expenses of construction state establishments. Instead of democracy the opportunity to establish a national consensus, it has turned into an arena for polarization and properties. For example, after the October 1964 Revolution, the parties were more conflict in participation in the transitional government more than their concern with the creation of a firm democratic system. Similarly, after the April 1985 uprising, the parties were divided on issues such as the application of Sharia law or the sharing of power, which paved the way to the military coup in 1989.
In addition, the Sudanese parties suffered from a low internal structure. He failed to build real internal democratic structures, but rather remained hostage to inherited traditional leaders, which prevented him from renewing his blood or absorbing young and modern executives. He was also absent from programmatic thinking linked to the economy, development and institutional reform, which could not provide real alternatives to the problems that the citizen suffers.
On the other hand, repetitive divisions and divisions played a major role in the weakening of the party movement. A part is often divided into several factions due to personal or ideological differences, so the efforts are dispersed and the parts lose their mass weight. This fragmentation contributed to weakening civil governments and making them unable to face major challenges such as civil war in the South, economic deterioration and questions of social justice.
Of course, it is not possible to deny the role of the military at the end of democracy, but the party’s crises themselves were the fertile environment whose army took the opportunity to justify its coup each time. The absence of national consensus, the spread of the corruption of parties and the inability of civil governments to extend stability, giving exclusive soldiers to intervene and control power under the pretext of “saving the country of chaos”.
Examining the role of the parties in this repeated failure is imperative for any serious attempt to build a solid democracy in Sudan. Party reform must start from the inside, by building internal democratic institutions, adopting clear development programs and bypassing sectarian and regional loyalty. In addition, the parties must realize that democracy is not only the elections, but a precious system based on transparency, responsibility and peaceful traffic of power.
After the last:
In short, the future of democracy in Sudan depends on the ability of parties to overcome its historical heritage, which is marked by a political, economic and social failure and to seriously seek to build a complete national project. If he continues to reproduce the same old practices, the military coup will only be the frequent natural result. Finally, if political parties can renew themselves and free themselves from the restrictions of sectarianism and divisions, this can have a decisive role in the realization of the dream of the Sudanese people with a sustainable democracy … and we continue if there is the rest of the people.
He doesn’t have it without God
God is enough for us and yes, the agent
Oh my God, do not throw us with our sins that are not afraid of you, and are not mercy of us, oh mockery
# Another Musab Birr dimension
Monday August 25, 2025 AD)
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