Andrew Natsios, distinguished professor in the practice of diplomacy, on the two-step process toward democracy in the Sudan:

"One is a democratic transition to a more pluralistic state, that is clearly not happening on any large scale because of the NCP [National Congress Party] using the power of the state to make sure it doesn't happen. Two, the transition to the separation of the north and the south. This election could facilitate that."

Carter Says Sudan Vote is Key to Southern Referendum

April 12, 2010, San Francisco Chronicle