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Voters in Sudan have cast their ballots on the opening day of the first multi-party elections in 24 years. Voting went fairly smoothly in Khartoum, but elsewhere polling stations opened late or not at all. BBC News website readers from the country have been sharing their thoughts.
I think this is considered to be one of the greatest steps in Sudan's political arena in 24 years. Even though, there are some rumours and fears that this election won't be 100% fair. I think this is not a very critical issue as our democracy is still infant. I see this election as just a turning point for Sudan, towards a brighter political future. Hopefully, this process will mend some of what has been broken during the past two decades. All Sudanese people have to be optimists for what is ahead, rather than mourning our past, keeping in mind that change won't come overnight.
Ahmed Fadul Mustafa, Khartoum, Sudan I called my wife in Omdurman today. She said she did not want to vote because she believed that her lone vote would not make a difference. It took some convincing to get a promise from her that she will go to the polls tomorrow. Sudanese people are new to democracy, but it is a step forward.
Osman Musa, US In Twic East and Abyei Constituency, we are having problems now. The name of SPLM candidate, Mayik Ajing Atem, is not on the lists. Also the election commission hasn't delivered ballot boxes to Abyei area yet.
Ring Deng, Turalei, Sudan There has been vote-buying in a centre in Bahry. These people claim to represent the National Congress Party and give promises to give money if one can show them that one has voted for NCP. They do this by giving you a mobile phone with a camera built in, to photograph where one has ticked! It is really a shame.
Ajak M Bior, Khartoum, Sudan I know most of us are afraid about change. All Sudanese, from the south or north, deserve better lives.
Shaima, Omdurman, Sudan The election is not going the way citizens expected because the voting polling centres are not open on time. Some materials are not provided to polling stations and some are missing from registration lists. All citizens were to cast their vote at the right time without delay. From this election I am really disappointed because of delays.
Thon Kuir Biar, Juba, Sudan We are today land marking our first multi-party election in our country. Today we are choosing our good leaders who will later lead us further to a referendum for freedom, peace and prosperity in our country.
James Deng Dimo, Wau, Southern Sudan As many Sudanese go to cast their votes at the polling centres all over the nation, I am appealing to the National Election Commission and all observers to monitor all the process. These elections should be fair and transparent. In Southern Sudan, there is now a logistical problem, many voters will not have access to the polling centres since some are far away from the villages. I am asking any Southern Sudanese to try all means to reach the polling stations nearby and cast his or her vote wisely.
Peter Majak, Aweil Town, Southern Sudan With joy filled in my heart I am proud to exercise my right today by casting my vote in order to chose a leader of my choice, a leader who will lead Sudan in a right way and avoid war. We are tired of war, refugee lives where you remain voiceless in a country which is not yours. May God bless Sudan, especially Southern Sudan, and may we cross safely to January 2011, when I and all Sudanese will exercise our rights to determine our fate.
Robert Kumbonyaki, Maridi, Southern Sudan
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