SUDAN ELECTIONS

It is less than three weeks until our elections which are due to start on April 11th. Yesterday the President of Southern Sudan came to Maridi as part of his election campaign - huge, huge crowds turned out to welcome him. Maridi has stayed calm so far during campaigning though there have been problems further north. My driver Wilson is campaigning to be elected as MP for Maridi West - pray for God's will to be done. Dirty games are already being played which threaten free and fair elections - we hold our breath and wait to see. Many expats are leaving Sudan before the elections as they fear trouble, but I think we are all staying put in Maridi as we have peace loving tribes here. Evacuation plans are in place if the situation deteriorates.
Pray as I am about to complete the last of my four assignments for this year for my MA studies. I hope to arrive in Filey on May 15th for three months Home Leave.
Trisha

VISIT OF PRESIDENT

Great excitement in Maridi today as the President of Sudan, Omar Al Bashir is visiting Maridi. His plane is due to land in one hours time. Will be interesting to see his reception after all the years of Civil War. He along with thousands of others are campaigning before our Elections due to start on April 11th. Pray for security and free and fair elections. Home Leave is looming and I hope to arrive in Filey on May 15th.
See you soon.
Trisha