Landslide win for president in Sudan masks political discontent

President Omar Bashir was re-elected in a landslide victory in presidential polls, securing 94.05% of the April 13-16 vote. The main opposition parties boycotted the poll, contributing to low turnout rates of around 30-35%. With Bashir in power, relations with the West, including US sanctions, are unlikely to thaw. Rebellion in the southern oil-producing regions is also likely to continue, including targeting of the oil industry, such as the kidnapping of foreign workers and attacks on pipelines